Lichfield District Council celebrates more than 8,300 hours of volunteer support at annual ‘thank you’ event
Lichfield District Council has celebrated the outstanding contribution of its parks and green space volunteers at a special Volunteer Thank You Event held yesterday (3 December 2025) at the Discovery Hub in Beacon Park.
More than 8,347 hours of volunteering have been recorded so far this year, over 1,000 hours more than at the same point in 2024. Volunteers have supported a wide range of sites across the district, including Princes Park, Burntwood Park, Beacon Park, Stowe Pool and Fields, the National Memorial Arboretum plot, six Tiny Forests, Festival Gardens and other community locations.
The event brought together representatives from a variety of volunteer groups, including the Countryside and Parks Conservation Group (CPCG), Friends of Burntwood Park, Friends of Lichfield Historic Parks, Neaten and Natter, the Community Gardeners, Friends of Princes Park, and Lichfield’s Tree Keepers. Volunteers who assist at major council events such as Fun Day and Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park were also in attendance.
At the event the volunteers were thanked for their commitment, friendliness and pride in supporting the district’s green spaces.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste, said: “Our volunteers are a wonderful support to Lichfield District. Their passion and dedication help keep our parks beautiful, welcoming and full of life. They support everything from conservation work and planting to litter picking, wildlife surveys and event preparation, and the impact they make is felt by residents and visitors every single day.”
Volunteer Paul Holt, from Lichfield, said: “I take part in Neaten and Natter where we tidy, cut hedges back and sweep up etc.
“I want to give something back to the community because I love Lichfield – it is a great place to live. Come and join us – it is outdoors, friendly and fun.”
Volunteering with the Parks Team offers a range of benefits, including improving physical and mental wellbeing, increasing confidence, developing new skills, and creating opportunities to meet new people and connect with the community.
Volunteers also play a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, supporting habitats, and maintaining safe, enjoyable places for residents and visitors to relax and explore.
The event included an invitation for volunteers to share feedback to help shape future support and activities.
Councillor Whitehouse added: “On behalf of the council, our teams, our visitors and the wider community, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. We simply couldn’t achieve what we do without you.”
For information on volunteering opportunities in 2026, please visit Volunteering in our parks.
