It’s been a hectic month for the project.  We are gradually making our way around all seven trails to finalise the work needed, although the intrepid explorer Julie Schroder, has boldly undertaken her own expedition around all seven sites!

We met with Emma Woolfe MBE in early October at Cotteridge Park to check the numerous boulders there, but we were bowled over by the fantastic work that the Friends of Cotteridge Park do.  If you are local to that area, it is worth a visit.  If not, check out their you tube video here.

Volunteer Julie Schroder at Cotteridge Park

Julie and I were lucky enough to meet Bradley Taylor whilst at Cotteridge Park, the poet who worked on their video. He agreed to work on the project with us and came to our launch where he performed a piece of his work.

We visited Woodgate Valley Country Park on a dreary October Monday morning, but that didn’t dampen our enthusiasm.  Ian even managed to give a quick geology lesson to an inquisitive horse!

One of the boulders which will be relocated from the field to the path, by Birmingham City Council

The project was officially launched at the Lapworth Museum of Geology on 27th October 2021.  The response was very positive, and we are hoping to recruit several volunteers from the event.  Light refreshments were followed by presentations covering the vision of the project, the role of volunteers, the trails themselves and how we intend to address the issue of accessibility and inclusion. Huge thanks go to Lizzy Goodger and Jon Clatworth for hosting the event at the Lapworth Museum.

Presentation by Prof. Ian Fairchild on the project’s vision

Launch @ the Lapworth Museum

Presentation by Dr Daniel Cashmore on the role of the volunteer

Presentation by Julie Schroder on the five proposed walking trails, with John Schroder our technical expert

We have come to the end of our first reporting quarter to the National Lottery Heritage Fund whose grant and national lottery players have made this possible.  But the project will not be successful without the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who offer their passion and knowledge so freely.

I would like to say “THANK YOU” to them.  Since July, they have carried out at least 145 of volunteering hours, the equivalent of approximately £2600 in monetary terms…. but their contribution is priceless.

If anyone would like to volunteer, please contact erraticsproject@worc.ac.uk

Val Turner, Project Manager.