Walsall Arboretum User Group (WAUG) seek to support, maintain,and promote the infrastructure and activities within the Arboretum , with some emphasis upon biodiversity and wider public engagement. WAUG works closely with the Arboretum development and operation team (Walsall Council), and have assisted with design and planting within the Victorian Park (Fluffy the Oss, the Garden of Reflection, the Gallery Garden) . Within the Extension, WAUG developed and cares for the Woodland Wildlife Garden and has developed and cared for the Orchard. Hosting family friendly free events in these two later areas are part of WAUGs function, as is organizing art displays in the Gallery Garden.
WAUG has developed more interest in the Country Park, which was developed from a redunant golf course to provide a wider countryside feel to the site.The clearing of butterfly rides and coppicing has increased biodiversity. Walsall Arboretum has some 1million visits annually, but the Country Park are is infrequently visited, although much favoured by dog walkers. Walks with U3A and with other groups has revealed that there is extremely limited local knowledge about the Country Park area.
Most of the core WAUG members are retired, with occasional younger attenders.The Facebook page “Friends of Walsall Arboretum” has over 2000 followers, 60% of whom come from Walsall and nearly 10% from Birmingham, with the highest representation from women aged 34 to 44.
There is minimal representation from the group aged 16 to 24. Links with the very young have been made with 12th Scouts, The Police cadets, and we have strong links with Walsall College Hospitality. Links with the mature include the University of the Third Age, Rotary, Women’s institutes.
