Volunteering

Since the association was formed, we have been organising regular Volunteer Work Parties, which have been focused on the footpaths across Aston Lodge, many of which had become overgrown, and at times impassable.

In addition to clearing footpaths, ALRA Volunteers have also established dead hedges, using offcuts to provide a habitat for wildlife.

The team always welcomes new volunteers.  They typically meet 3 times a week, usually for 45 minutes to an hour each time.  You can join the sessions as little, or as often as you wish... there's no obligation.  The sessions are easy going, sociable and good exercise.  You can do as much, or as little, as you like... or, you can just bring us a tray of tea!

Currently, it is unlikely that the Highways Authority or Borough Council will adopt the pathways around and through our estate.  And, frankly, we can do a decent job of maintaining them ourselves, whilst respecting the natural environment.

It's not all gardening... in the summer of 2022, our volunteers repainted the play equipment, bench and bin on the lower playground.  I hope you'll agree that it's looking much smarter now.

Update: We've since been given the go ahead, by the Borough Council, to carry out similar improvement work on the equipment in the upper playground area.  If you would like to receive 'Parklife' updates via WhatsApp, then please email: secretary@alra.org.uk, quoting your mobile phone number.

In 2023, the volunteers tackled the green space on the outer footpath, where it links to Farrier Close... over time, this area had become overgrown.

You can see in the picture below, how this area is now well on the way to becoming a 'cared for' area, after work carried out by the volunteers.

The volunteers have also cleared the whole of the outer footpath, which was no easy task, as the path is long, uneven, and the surface is damaged in places.

You can see in the picture below, how the path is much better now, following the work carried out by the volunteers.

If you'd like to get involved and meet other resident volunteers, then please send an email to: secretary@alra.org.uk to register your interest in volunteering.

The sessions are advertised each week by WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or email.  Once registered, you can join any session that's convenient for you, but please make sure that you read, and comply with, health and safety requirements at all times.

A big thank you to the organisers and volunteers, who have achieved so much over the years, by maintaining the footpaths, green spaces, and natural wildlife habitats on our estate... thus ensuring a pleasant environment for all.