Charity celebrates 20 years with “baton walks”
Every Sunday this month the West Midlands’ foremost nature expert, Chris Millward, has been leading a series of “baton walks” to celebrate 20 years of the Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) charity.
By the end of August, Chris, founder of Team4Nature and a BOSF ambassador, will have marched through more than 40 parks in across Birmingham with a growing gaggle of local volunteers, friends and business contacts.
Carried by the group each step of the way has been the 20th Anniversary Celebration Baton.
The journey began on Sunday August 3 at Cotteridge Park, travelling through Northfield and Edgbaston before finishing in Ladywood.
The second Sunday of the month took the baton through Perry Barr and Sutton Coldfield. The third saw Chris walk through Hodge Hill and Yardley.
The final walk, tomorrow (Sunday, August 24,) will pass through Hall Green and Selly Oak, returning to Cotteridge Park for a community celebration.
Chris said: “The fact that I will have walked around Birmingham for four Sundays at pace with the baton and still have only reached less than a quarter of the BOSF membership demonstrates the sheer scale of this movement that contributes so much to the city and its people.
“As well as creating a cause for great celebration whilst collecting memories and milestones from the last 20 years, the anniversary baton also symbolises hope for the future of Brum.
“By raising awareness of the great work carried out by these open space volunteers, who are our “unsung superheroes”, the hope is that more people of all ages and backgrounds join the movement.
“The benefits of connecting with nature are well documented, and the recent crowning of Birmingham as the UK’s first Nature City offers a great opportunity not only for us to thrive by bringing nature into our daily lives but also for Brum to once again lead the world and take it forward for a bright future.”
“Chris Millward is a true leader”
Joining Chris for his walk through Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston will be Professor Paul Cadman, CEO of the One Thousand Trades Group.
Paul said: “I’ve grown up in this city and have enjoyed its green spaces all my life. I’m so grateful to Chris and to the BOSF for drawing people’s focus to the beauty of nature and the tangible benefits of spending time in nature – free to us all if only we’d step outside and see it, savour it and take it in.”
From nuthatches and sparrows in Cotteridge Park to butterflies in Sutton Coldfield, and herons and kingfishers between Hodge Hill and Yardley, the walks have highlighted the importance of Birmingham’s green spaces as urban oases for both people and wildlife.
Voices from the community
Carolyn Davis, chair of Ward End Residents Group, said: “Working with BOSF and Chris Millward is always inspiring – his enthusiasm is infectious. BOSF’s support has been vital for our group, and it was a great day to celebrate everything they stand for.”
Graham Andrews, of Friends of Ley Hill Park, said: “The Baton Walk was a wonderful idea. BOSF has supported us since the day we formed; without them, Birmingham would have lost so many parks and green spaces. They’ve been part of our history and will be a vital part of our future.”
Veronica Treadwell, trustee of Westley Vale Millennium Green, said: “BOSF has been a constant source of support – and friendship too.”
Brenda Wilson, of Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve, added: “Accepting the Baton was a proud moment for our group, celebrating the incredible work BOSF has done over 20 years.”
Celebrating volunteers and protecting green spaces
Founded in 2005, BOSF now supports more than 140 parks and open spaces volunteer groups in Birmingham. Between April 2024 and March 2025 alone, BOSF members contributed 106,410 hours – worth over £1.34 million – to activities including litter picking, habitat restoration, food growing, and community events.
BOSF’s work is especially vital as Birmingham experiences increasingly hot summers. Green spaces help offset rising urban temperatures by providing shade, cooling areas and supporting biodiversity.
Parks and nature areas are essential for wellbeing, climate resilience, and providing wildlife habitats. Through guidance, networking, and resources, BOSF ensures that volunteer groups are empowered to keep these spaces thriving.
Looking forward
BOSF continues to work closely with local communities and Birmingham City Council to safeguard green spaces for future generations. The Baton Walks serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the power of grassroots action in creating a greener, healthier, and more connected city.
