Aston Lodge Residents Association

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.  Read on to find our what our volunteers do, and how you can join them, or catch up with their latest activities, by viewing their diary.

Dead hedge under construction on the footpath between Mercer Avenue & the Park
Dead hedge under construction on the footpath between Mercer Avenue & the Park - July 2020

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

Dead hedge complete
Dead hedge complete - July 2020

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!

Clearing footpath between Mercer Avenue & the Park
Clearing footpath between Mercer Avenue & the Park - March 2022

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.

Footpath cleared between the Park & Pembroke Drive
Footpath cleared between the Park & Pembroke Drive - April 2022
Clearing the gutter on Saddler Avenue near Leacroft
Clearing the gutter on Saddler Avenue near Leacroft - May 2022

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.

Newly Painted Swings
Newly Painted Swings - June 2022

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.

Overgrown Area on Outer Footpath - Before
Overgrown Area on Outer Footpath - Before Tidying - February 2023

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.

Area on Outer Footpath - After (now cleared)
Area on Outer Footpath - After Tidying - February 2023

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.

Overgrown Area at the bottom of the Outer Footpath - Before Clearing
Bottom of the Outer Footpath - Before Clearing - July 2023

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

Area at the bottom of the Outer Footpath - After Clearing
Bottom of the Outer Footpath - After Clearing - July 2023

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.

Clearing the footpath between Lyndhurst Grove and Mercer Avenue
Clearing the footpath between Lyndhurst Grove & Mercer Avenue - February 2024

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.

Maintaining the coppice and footpath off Farrier Close
Maintaining the coppice and footpath off Farrier Close - February 2024

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.

Keeping the park beds tidy
Keeping the park beds tidy, and easier to mow, with clear edges - February 2024