In 1994 a group of people who called themselves The Friends of Canley Ford was formed to protect the area from future development and enhance the habitat for the benefit of wildlife. As 97% of meadowland had been ploughed up nationally since the last war, it was decided that managing the largest meadow as a traditional hay meadow should have priority. To screen the area from houses and the A45 3,000 trees and shrubs were planted with assistance from Coventry Rotary Clubs and the City Council.
So successful was this operation that the Friends were persuaded to take on the management of the smaller meadow adjacent to the A45 two years later. This gave the opportunity to create a new wildlife pond and plant another 500 trees.
In 1998 it was decided to apply to have the area, including Brook Meadow then on lease to Hearsall Golf Club, made a Millennium Green. After a comprehensive consultation process the application was finally approved giving security to the site till the next millennium, funding to improve access and management costs for the next three years.
Trustees representing organisations like Warwickshire Wildlife, the Rotary Club, City Council and, of course, the community, were appointed. While the Trust has the responsibility of ensuring the Millennium Green is run for the benefit of the whole community the Friends continue the day to day management.
In 1998 The Friends were given a special mention in the Queen Mother's Birthday Awards for their conservation works. Friends of Canley Ford are affiliated to Warwickshire Wildlife, BTCV and Coventry Natural History Society, also working with the The Countryside Agency. with the Millennium Green Project.
Working parties, apart from a break during the winter, are held on the first and third Saturday mornings in the month. Everybody is welcome. The tasks vary between tree and wildflower planting, litter picking and path mowing.
For further details please phone: Mr A Dyke 024 7667 2884
Go to: History of Canley Ford and Latest News
If you wish to E-mail us our address is: friends@canleyford.org.uk