Partners

Before Flatpack, there was 7 Inch Cinema... In June 2003 they launched a monthly filmnight at a pub in Digbeth. The idea was to mix together local filmmaking, archive oddities and crazy stuff we found on the internet, along with live guests and musical interludes. The festival and everything they've done since grew out of these lovely, eclectic, break-even gigs, and even if the scale may have changed the approach remains very much the same.​​

Alicia's take pride in serving Birmingham with their artisan wood-fired pizzas and more.

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We are grateful for them giving us wood ash for Kingdom Forest Garden.

Anawim offer gender-informed and trauma-responsive wraparound support to enable women to reach their potential. They work with more than 2000 women a year through advocacy, counselling, crisis intervention, and intensive long-term specialist support both in the community in Birmingham and in prison.

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We have a small heritage fruit tree collection planted with Anawim, in association with Chamberlain Highbury Trust, alongside a small garden space.

Apna Ghar (which means our home) provides day care for the elderly, disable, critical and vulnerable people predominantly from South Asian countries. Their main objective is to alleviate loneliness of people living on their own. The Centre is a multi- faith Centre and there is no discrimination on racial, cultural or religious grounds. People with no religious beliefs are also accepted.

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We manage a growing space at and with Apna Ghar Day Centre, Balsall Heath. Opposite Reaside Forest Garden.

Run by St. Paul's Community Development Trust, this little City Farm was opened in 1980, and is an inner-city oasis, providing local families with access to animals that they otherwise might not see. It is a valued community asset in Balsall Heath, with visitors who came as children now bringing their own little ones to see the 50 animals that live on the Farm.

A long-established and much loved
institution – FNV are grateful that we're accepted into your sphere!

Dr Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah was born and raised in Birmingham, England. He couldn't remember a time when he was not creating poetry, but this had nothing to do with school where poetry meant very little to him, in fact he had finished full time education at the age of 13. His poetry is strongly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he calls ‘street politics’. His first real public performance was in church when he was 10 years old, by the time he was 15 he had developed a strong following in his home town of Handsworth where he had gained a reputation as a young poet who was capable of speaking on local and international issues.

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We engaged with the Birmingham poetical legend Benjamin Zephaniah’s wife, Qian Zephaniah and the executive of her late husband’s estate, to plant a Moonglow Pear in his memory and honour.

Better Streets for Birmingham campaigns for changes to our travel and planning infrastructure to improve the sustainability, efficiency and safety of our streets. By identifying, supporting and advocating for changes to our environment that enable car-free journeys, they aim to make active travel and public transport the default options for trips around our city.

The Billesley Ark is a vital component of the Malachi Community Trust, embodying Malachi’s vision of enhancing the quality of life within our community. Their mission is to actively engage families in events and activities for all ages. Additionally, the Billesley Ark is dedicated to providing guidance and support to the most vulnerable individuals in our area.

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At the beginning of 2025, we started conducting work in Billesley alongside this wonderful group, planting a new orchard on Billesley Common.

The Birmingham Ranger Service has launched a two-year project in partnership with Public Health: 'Wild at heart, healthy parks'.

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The support of officers here has allowed FNV to begin and continue its work – without this support we wouldn’t exist.

For almost two centuries The Gardens has shared J.C. Loudon’s original 1829 garden design and collection of 7,000 plants with millions of people and has been an integral part of Birmingham’s physical, educational, cultural and emotional landscape.

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We've really enjoyed supporting the gardens with some of their tree management work in 2024/25.

They’ve been brewing beer in Stirchley, Birmingham since 2016 creating a selection of quality beers that all Brummies can drink, enjoy, and be proud to put their name to.

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Our wonderful hosts for the Stirchley Wassail at the Stirchley Industrial Park.

Running since 1973, and based in The Warehouse, since 1977, we have covered so many issues in and around Birmingham. As well as local issues we also campaign on national and global issues as part of the Friends of the Earth network. We’re one of the biggest groups in the Friends of the Earth (EWNI) network, which is a unique network of campaigning groups working in over 170 communities across the country. Friends of the Earth is also the largest international network of environmental groups in the world, with affiliates in over 75 countries worldwide.

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We run a Postcode Gardener project with them, for which we are most grateful for their support on.

Long recognised as one of the UK’s premier presenting theatres, the past five years have seen Birmingham Hippodrome develop into a creative producing organisation focused on access, diversity and inclusion, doubling our impact to match our annual audience of 550,000 with a further 450,000 people engaged via festivals, learning, participation and produced work.

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We worked together to support their Birmingham Weekender event 23-24.

BOSF is a volunteer network organisation, set up at the end of 2004, that brings together all the community groups in Birmingham with an interest in green open spaces. Our main focus is supporting the volunteers who add value to the city’s open spaces.

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BOSF are very supportive of our events, as well as co-hosting a recent one for their 50th anniversary in 2025.

Liberal Judaism - The dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. BPS is a welcoming place, hosting all sorts of lively community events.

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We co-host yearly Tu B'Shvat tree plantings since 2023, but also other community events like picnics, usually in Calthorpe Interfaith Community Orchard in Balsall Heath.

Their non-profit was set up as part of the Tree Warden Scheme, by BCC‘s Tree Officers, in 2016. The charity plant, protect and promote trees and the urban forest.

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We host joint orchard workshops and help with their orchard survey.

At most XR protests you can hear drumming from bands all over the country who have practised the same rhythms. The XR Birmingham Band is called Brum Beats. The drums draw attention to and accompany an action, deescalate a situation, disrupt an event, or energise an occupation. If you’ve experienced the sound, you will understand.

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Drumming up a crowd for us at the Balsall Heath Wassail 2025!

Highbury (also known as Highbury Hall) is an exceptional example of a mansion house and grounds created by a wealthy industrialist in a suburban location. It is remarkable for its Venetian Gothic architecture and its wealth of craftsmanship and decoration. Whilst its architecture and landscape are of high quality, it is the site’s close association with Joseph Chamberlain and his family that ensures its national importance.

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We have worked with this trust on multiple locations and with other partners.

ChangeKitchen CIC is a catering social enterprise and a kindness cafe based in Balsall Heath, that began its journey of social impact, food justice, improving life opportunities and cooking up delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based menus back in 2010.

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Change Kitchen have kindly donated their food and time to us on many occasions, which we appreciate highley, as do our bellies!

Vision & Mission of this charity: To create cleaner, greener and safer places for communities to live in. To empower communities to protect, promote and enhance green spaces through innovative educational programmes, community engagement and volunteering.

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Together we host orchard care and development workshops in Castle Vale.

The Dads Lane Allotments site is located on Dads Lane, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8PQ. The allotments are part of the Moseley & Kings Heath ward of Birmingham City Council allotments.

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The committee here have always been supportive of FNV activities on-site.

A community space in Stirchley, Birmingham. Dads Lane Community Association has been around since the late 1930s and has been led by various community-minded people down the decades.

A small partnership but one that we cherish. FNV only have 10 cordon trees planted with DLCA but our shared aims have much overlap.

Birmingham City Council community library in South Birmingham.

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We host many of our propagation, pruning, and other workshops here to further reach the community.

Edward Road Baptist Church is a welcoming and active church based in a very diverse area of Birmingham. We have a long history of mission in the community and we continue to strive to be a beacon of God’s love in the area. We are a varied congregation with a mix of ages, with activities and groups for children as well as adults. 

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We host many of our propagation, pruning, and other workshops here to further reach the community.

Four Seasons Gardening Project is a non-profit horticulture venture, staffed by adults with learning disabilities. Hosted in a building in Birmingham, which is located on Queensbridge Road. The project is situated nearby to the historic site crucible wall, as well as near the Uffculme Centre.

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We have been joint hosting workshops at their nursery as part of both of our ongoing projects to green the community.

Fovea Creative is a specialist creative agency, which has been serving charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations for 28 years.

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A special thank you for making
the FNV Annual Report into the
visual spectacle that it is.

Billesley Common is a recreational area of public open space in South Birmingham, England. It is situated along the Yardley Wood Road, between the suburbs of Moseley and Yardley Wood. Friends of Billesley Common (previously know as Valley Riverside Project) are actively recruiting more members, so please contact them if you are interested in volunteering. The group have arranged for many improvements including litter bins and noticeboards to be installed. Volunteer work is carried out regularly including maintaining pathways, litter-picking and training days.

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This lovely friends group helped us to plant and establish a new orchard on Billesley Common in 2025.

The Friends of Daisy Farm Park are a volunteer group based near Maypole, Birmingham, on Maypole Lane, also known as Daisy Farm Recreation Ground. Their mission is to make a positive impact through activities like litter picking and tree planting, all while cherishing this beautiful park. The park has a Play Area, as you walk in on the main path from Maypole Lane.

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We have planted further into their orchard with them and host joint orchard care and pruning sessions.

Edgbaston Reservoir is a 70 acre site, situated in Ladywood, less than two miles from the City centre. Friends of the Reservoir came together in 1990 to protect and promote the Reservoirs many beneficial characteristics and enhance them where possible. The group are also keen to guard against any developments which could be detrimental to the whole ethos of a very special place.

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We conduct workshops in their community orchard with them and other groups.

Founded in November 2023, the Friends of Spark Green Park act as a voice for the park, representing its needs and accessibility of its users. Spark Green Park is an urban city park situated in the middle of the well-known Balti Triangle of south east, Birmingham.

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We have been helping the friend group develop an orchard.

Friends of Stirchley Library (FOSL) is an unincorporated association and our core purpose is to support the library services within the existing library building in Stirchley, Birmingham. What started out as a campaign group to keep the library open in the face of closure has grown into a ‘Friends of’ group and we have developed a volunteer network to support library services and to extend opening hours.

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We regularly host sessions at Stirchley Baths & Library Forest Garden, where the associations and friends groups have played a vital role.

Stirchley Park was originally created from land donated by William A Cadbury in the early 19th century, the park is a small and hidden green space in the heart of Stirchley.

Thank you for supporting the FNV project in your park!

The Friends of Swanshurst Park was set up in January 2021 by a group of local residents and park users. The group’s aim is to ensure this beautiful open space is well looked after and to see it used in a sustainable manner for both current and future generations. 

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This lovely friends group helped us to plant and establish a new orchard at Swanshurst Park in 2025.

Just 4 miles from the city centre, lying between the Pershore Road and Moor Green Lane, this site is regarded as Birmingham’s hidden gem. Alongside the playing fields lies a rich and diverse natural habitat including the River Rea, hedgerows, scrubland (in Brockley Grove) and Holders Woods, which is ancient woodland and designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

GSA provide affordable homes and services that create a foundation from which people in our communities can thrive.

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They generously provided some funding for our projects.

A very warm welcome to Greencoat Nursery. They have two nurseries in Birmingham, both offer an excellent level of quality and care, where their caring and enthusiastic staff make learning fun and exciting for our wonderful children.

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They helped with the instigation of our work in Billesley alongside several other groups in this area.

Groundwork is a federation of independent charities, called Groundwork Trusts, working under a common brand to a single federation strategy. A national organisation, Groundwork UK, supports the activities of Groundwork Trusts by running programmes, initiatives and campaigns that generate national resources for local delivery and support improvements in quality and impact.

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Support from Groundwork allowed us to operate through the summer at The People’s Plot.

The Hall Green Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS) is a project to help prevent older people aged 50+ and adults aged 18-49, with a long-term disability, from needing to access social services or the NHS. By connecting them to the right activities or services in their local communities at the right time, this helps them stay living at home for as long as possible.

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FNV were able to work with older people across the Balsall Heath neighbourhoods through funding from Hall Green NNS.

Harts Community Adventure see the value in everyone and want to be a catalyst for positive change. Since their beginnings in 2000, they’ve been driven by support, empowerment, and progress.

FNV enjoyed beginning a new orchard in Walkers Heath Park with HCA.

Hazelwell Farm Allotments is an allotment site of about 100 plots in Stirchley, South Birmingham, situated on a hill overlooking the Cadbury factory.

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FNV have enjoyed regularly working here to care for the small on-site mixed orchard.

The Bahu Trust is a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to fostering spiritual, educational, and social well-being within communities. Established to serve as a hub of inspiration and guidance, the Trust operates several mosques and community centres, creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect and grow. With a foundation rooted in Islamic principles, the Bahu Trust emphasizes unity, compassion, and active service to humanity.

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Fantastic partners in Balsall Heath, helping us establish a new growing space at their site.

Hipkiss and Graney are a visual arts duo based in Stirchley, South Birmingham. Their practice explores ideas around collectivity, community and counter-movements through socially engaged workshops, large-scale interactive installations and performances. Their performances discuss political and environmental issues, often involving magic realism and fictional organisations.

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Artists behind The Woodland Games, H&G came to the FNV wassail to support us with a crafting stall.

Immanuel is an Anglican Church in Highters Heath, South Birmingham. Their name means ‘God is with us’ and they seek to serve and show God's love in the community. They are a friendly Church of around 40 regular worshippers, with good links to the local community.

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Fantastic friends and hosts of some of our workshops at this wonderful church.

Originally established in 2014 as The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham, they intercept food and other usable materials that would otherwise go to waste from supermarkets, restaurants and other sources, and provide them to individuals and community organisations on a “Pay-As-You-Feel” basis. They also grow fresh fruits and vegetables, and compost theirs and others’ waste on allotment sites across the area!

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A very supportive partner, offering FNV space to work on, regular positivity, and offers of electric van transportation, the generosity of which we are grateful for.

Participatory Storyteller, creating immersive, inclusive and bespoke storytelling for children and families in the West Midlands.

Your determination to tell tales despite cold and rain is much admired by FNV.

Leaf Creative Arts aims to uplift, connect and empower people from different communities and backgrounds through art, music and storytelling. They tackle loneliness and isolation, and encourage wellbeing, in various ways. They're passionate about making all their work dementia-friendly, and where possible intergenerational. They work predominantly, but not exclusively, with people living with dementia, their carers and families. They are passionate about providing a balance between creative reminiscence and ‘making new memories’.

Loaf is a co-operative-run bakery and cookery school based in Stirchley, South Birmingham, since 2009. They aim to build community through real food and healthy living.

Thank you for keeping our FNV volunteers well-fed during cold, winter tree planting days.

A group for Manningford Hall Community Centre located in the centre of Druids Heath in South Birmingham.

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Manningford Hall hosts a site of one of our orchards, where we regularly condust work there together for the community.

MECC Trust an independent charity established in 1979. Over 40 years they’ve provided vital help to local people to get their lives back on track. Many clients are some of the most vulnerable people in Birmingham’s poorest wards. Last year, 2022, they helped over 4500 clients to get their life back on track. Direct Action through local people is how we get things done.

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MECC have kindly paired with us to host joint workshops in the Balsall Heath Village.

For over 60 years, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) has connected people with creativity. They are a contemporary arts centre and independent charity, with the mission to make art an important part of people's lives.

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We have run multiple workshops here, including propagation workshops as part of the Big Green Weekender, and other special days such as Benjamin Zephaniah: A Celebration.

Misfits have established several groups and projects with the core concept of bringing people together through music, working with practitioners and partners that share this belief. They work tirelessly to create projects and sessions that are open to anyone who wants to make music by arranging accessible musical arrangements in-house, working with community partners to engage those in need and run a variety of different groups to suit the varied style of different musicians within the community.

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We are most grateful to this incredible charity for leading the Stirchley Wassail songs!

With the beginning of a full-scale war in Ukraine, in the winter of 2022, volunteers and caring residents of the Moseley area united to provide operational assistance to Ukraine; and with the launch of the state program Homes for Ukraine it was decided to organise a volunteer project - Moseley for Ukraine.

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We joined forces in an epic afternoon of bush planting to commemorate the oblasts of Ukraine during the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.

A charitable organisation formed in 2018 with a clear and dedicated purpose – to safeguard the historic and iconic Moseley Road Baths swimming pool; they are the only Baths in the country built before 1914 to have continuously hosted swimming since opening in 1907.

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We've taken part in an exhibition with them to promote community green spaces, as well as our Stirchley Baths & Library Forest Garden being situated between the two buildings.

Moseley Voices is a fun and friendly community choir established in 2007.

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This wonderful group participated in the Stirchley wassailing in 2024.

The National Trust Blossom Branch in Birmingham is part of the Blossoming Balsall Heath project where, together with the local community, they are planting 300 blossoming trees in the area.

20 new trees from the Ring of Blossom came to FNV orchards in Stirchley!

The School's aim is to ensure that children develop an enjoyment of learning and achieve to the best of their abilities in every area of school life. They do this by providing the highest quality education for each and every child and by working in partnership with parents, families and the wider community. Nelson Mandela Community Primary School is situated in Sparkbrook close to the city centre of Birmingham.

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FNV have established a small orchard here and host occasional pruning sessions for the children at the school to learn and enjoy.

Nisa-Nashim is a national network, bringing Jewish and Muslim women together to inspire and lead social change.

A very able and willing team
bringing vital volunteer labour.

Our Scene's social mission is to provide a ‘change of scenery’ for those who need one in Brandwood neighbourhoods, by providing activities which help connect people to people with shared interests and through fun and collaborative community ‘build’, active citizenship, and environmental improvement projects.

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We are working with Dawberry Corner Garden, planting and caring for a container orchard alongside the CIC.

Uncanny gang of mosslings who dance, play, sing and make merry. West Midlands based.

Fantastic costumes, a fantastic team, and some great dances – we really welcome your support of the FNV Stirchley Wassail.

Working with community partners to retrofit homes, community spaces, hearts and minds.

FNV have enjoyed sharing visions of the future with RBH, and now we regularly work on local projects together such as 'lifting the slabs'.

Sähëlï Hub is dedicated to improving health and well-being in the community, by providing innovative services that educate, motivate, inspire and empower. Most of their work is with women.

A fantastic organisation FNV are proud to be strongly connected with, especially through establishing and orchard and forest garden at the hub.

Neighbourhood Network Schemes (NNS) in Birmingham work to strengthen communities and help older adults in our city to lead happy, healthy lives.

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Thank you for continuing to support us and for championing FNV's work.

Selly Park South Neighbourhood Forum is the local residents' community group. Representing from Pershore Road to the River Rea, between Pershore Avenue and Dogpool Lane in the Selly Park area of south Birmingham.

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Support from the Forum has led to us creating a new growing space on Cecil Road, and also boosted our connection to the local area.

Severn Trent provide over eight million people across our region with water every day.

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FNV are very grateful for their support, allowing us to work in Druids Heath and Monyhull.

Beautiful tales told in support of bringing people together, for fun evenings with their community.

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Sharon generated and contributed to the good times we had during one of our many wassails.

Founded in 2009, Stirchley Happenings is a community group run by four local residents in Stirchley, an area of South Birmingham. They think Stirchley is a brilliant place to live, with great community spirit; alongside other residents, they aim to promote that spirit, whilst generating and supporting cultural and community activity. This takes the form of artistic and community events, such as film nights, street art and litter-picks.

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Your fantastic ‘bird artworks’ are
admired by 100s of people every week!

Founded in 1996, we have been in the heart of our community specialising in vast areas of health & fitness. 'Your attitude determines your altitude!'

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This great centre has been supporting our work in Lozells.

The Cole Charitable Trust was set up in 1972 with the objective: “for such legally charitable purposes or purpose in such amounts proportions and manner and at such times as the Trustees shall from time to time think fit.” The settler Peggy Cole was the daughter of Eb Bryant and sister of Chris Bryant, who ran the family building business C Bryant & Son in Birmingham. Peggy Cole gifted shares in Bryant Holdings to the Trust.

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A great organisation who funded FNV to purchase caging, protecting many of our fruit trees.

The National Lottery is the state-franchised national lottery established in 1994. Regulated by the Gambling Commission, it is operated by Allwyn Entertainment, taking over from Camelot Group on 1 February 2024.

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Fantastic support and an offer of ongoing support to develop FNV work further, for which we are incredibly grateful.

The Old Print Works is a diverse and welcoming community in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, that believes in the transformative power of making and creativity. Through mutual skill sharing they are building a resilient, sustainable and cooperative future. They provide studio, meeting, event, exhibition, and co-working space.

Many thanks for allowing FNV to set up a nursery space in your premises!

A collaborative multi-artform studio practice, they develop family focussed art and play interventions, that centre play and nature connection. Their most recent work has included: Art + Play Packs with Smethwick Foodbank, FLOW Children's Biennial, Balsall Heath Play Kitchen and Pocket Garden, the Balsall Heath Play Street and Parakeet Playgroup.

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We lent some plants and trees to the studio four a small tour around Birmingham in a wonderful project.

Spearhead Trust's aim is to benefit further the community living in Druids Heath, without distinction of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or political, religious or other opinions in association with local authorities, volunteers and other organisations. In a joint effort to advance education and provide facilities and activities in the interest of leisure, learning and social welfare, with the object of improving their quality of life.

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Thank you for hosting a small fruit bush growing space for FNV in Druids Heath.

THE TENBAGS are a folk/punk outfit hailing from Birmingham, with original Boozy Brummie Ballads and traditional Woozy Wailers.

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Great performances at FNV Balsall Heath Wassails, despite the miserable weather – hearty and heart-felt.

The Tree Council brings everyone together with a shared mission to care for trees and our planet’s future. We inspire and empower organisations, government, communities and individuals with the knowledge and tools to create positive, lasting change at a national and local level.

The Birmingham University Conservation Volunteers (BUCV) is a student volunteering group, dedicated to conserving environments for the joint benefit of wildlife and people. For over 50 years the group has helped local and national conservation organisations.

Thank you for lending FNV a hand on several occasions, tackling rather large orchard care and creation jobs.

This School brings together expertise from across the physical, environmental and social sciences to advance understanding of the planet and its people - past, present, and future. Their interdisciplinary areas of activity include: Sustainable Environments and Societies, Environment and Health, Dynamic Earth and Ecosystems, and Extreme Climates and Hazards.

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A thorough, eager and enthusiastic student placement with FNV.

Ways for Wellbeing is a Community Interest Company established by women of colour, with a collective experience of over 30 years in mental health and the health and social care sector. They're experts by experience and have combined our experience with formal training to become Personalised Care Institute (PCI) qualified Health and Wellbeing Coaches. They provide access to activities that promote wellbeing and overall positive mental health.

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In March 2025 we began working with this CIC, to plant a small damson orchard in their garden spaces.

The Wesleyan's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, to love one another and to transform our communities through the power of the Holy Spirit. Cultivating loving relationships, diversity and empowering people to reach their full potential.

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Fantastic friends and hosts of some of our workshops at this wonderful church.

Singer-singer-songwriter. It's Rodgers with a D.

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Played a key part in our Balsall Heath Wassailing in 2025.

As the UK leader in resource management, Veolia provide a comprehensive range of waste, water and energy management services designed to build The Circular Economy and protect the environment. They're innovators committed to focusing on carbon reduction through our four pillars of ecological transformation; preserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity, combating climate change and decreasing pollution.

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Veolia have generously provided us with funding to continue working on our projects in select communities around Birmingham, for which we are most grateful.

York Supplies Community Society was created by a large group of diverse local people who love York Supplies and want to ensure it continues to serve the local community as it has since 1947.

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Thank you to York Supplies for inviting us in to work alongside them to show perennial food growing techniques in spaces close to where people live and visit. Our volunteers can also benefit from reduced prices in the shop.