About FERR
Friends of Elm Road Recreation Ground was formed in 2024 by local people who wanted the park to feel cleaner, safer, and better used. The group exists to turn community interest into visible action, from volunteer sessions and planting days to family events and long-term improvements.
What we do
Improve the park
We organise clean-ups, planting sessions, and maintenance activity that makes the park visibly better over time.
How we work
Bring neighbours together
We keep participation simple so residents can join an event, volunteer for an hour, or contribute ideas without friction.
Why it matters
Build local momentum
A stronger park creates a stronger neighbourhood, especially when improvements are community-led and clearly communicated.
What we have already delivered
The group is still early, but it has already run volunteer sessions, family events, and local projects that have made the park feel more active and better cared for.
Seasonal planting
Community bulb planting sessions have added colour, care, and visible effort across the park.
Regular maintenance
Litter picking and practical upkeep have improved the day-to-day appearance of the recreation ground.
Stronger identity
A local logo competition helped establish a recognisable identity for the group and its communications.
Wider collaboration
FERR has worked with volunteers and local partners who share an interest in improving the space.
What to expect
FERR aims to keep things practical: regular activity in the park, clear updates, and improvements residents can actually see.
Clear volunteer sessions
Practical activities with visible outcomes rather than vague calls for support.
Community events
Family-friendly events and park activity that help more residents use and value the space.
Ongoing updates
Regular communication about what has happened, what is planned, and where help is needed.
Steady progress
Regular work in the park rather than one-off announcements or isolated events.
Committee
The committee helps organise the work, keep things moving, and make sure park activity is coordinated properly.
Chairperson
Russell Longley
Secretary
Margaret McAnally
Treasurer
Andrew Dobson
What comes next
The next step is simple: improve the park in ways people notice and make it easier for more residents to take part.
Long-term planning
Develop a clearer long-term plan for the recreation ground and how improvements can be sustained.
Better amenities
Improve amenities and family-friendly areas where practical opportunities exist.
More participation
Run more events that increase local use of the park and strengthen community ownership.
Wider volunteer base
Keep building enough resident support that park activity remains active and sustainable.
Join in
There is room for both occasional volunteers and regular organisers.
If you care about Elm Road Recreation Ground, you do not need a formal role to help. You can join an event, share ideas, or support specific activities as they come up.