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Project Update & Volunteer Awards 2025
This year’s Sherbourne Valley Project Update and Volunteer Awards brought together our volunteer community for an evening of appreciation and festive cheer. Hosted in the atmospheric Anglican Chapel at London Road Cemetery, the evening felt warm and welcoming complete with hot drinks, mulled wine, cheese and crackers, and a few extra treats to enjoy along the way.
The evening began at 7pm, with a short welcome followed by a project update delivered by our River Restoration Officer, Joe Atkinson. Joe guided everyone through the highlights of 2025, including key events, the continued growth of our volunteering programme and major restoration achievements at sites such as Lake View Park and Charterhouse Heritage Park.
He ended by encouraging volunteers to help shape the project’s legacy, asking two important questions:
What might you be interested in supporting as the project enters its final year?
What training would help you build your skills and confidence?
The celebration then turned to our annual Volunteer Awards, presented by Darren Male, Chair of the Project Board and the Friends of Lake View Park. This year’s winners were:
- Kingfisher Award – Volunteer of the Year: Carl Busby, recognised for outstanding dedication across the project.
- Dragonfly Award – Ambassador of the Year: Allesley and Coundon Wedge Conservation Society, celebrating their enthusiasm in promoting the project’s work.
- Young Champion Award: Members of our Junior Rangers, who have been developing hands-on conservation skills with our Education and Training Officer, Jen.
- Otter Award – All weathers volunteer: Lawrence Cox, acknowledged for reliably turning up come rain or shine to help care for the river and its habitats.
Our new project trainees, Sam and Camala, then brought the room together for a nature-themed festive quiz, complete with rounds on local wildlife and a playful challenge to sculpt the best otter from playdough. Accessories earned bonus points, leading to plenty of laughter and some impressively creative entries.
The evening drew to a close with final thanks from Project Manager Nicola. The event really highlighted that the work of the Sherbourne Valley Project is made possible by the time, energy and passion of volunteers from across Coventry, and was a lovely chance to celebrate everything they contribute.
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In March 2025, we will be carrying out restoration works in Charterhouse Heritage Park with approved contractors. The project aims to re-naturalise the River Sherbourne which flows through Coventry, improving it for nature and for local communities. There will be several elements to this particular restoration project, all of which will have a positive effect on the river and surrounding area in both short-term and long-term scenarios.
In November 2024, we will be carrying out restoration works in Lake View Park with approved contractors Ecolibrium Environmental Contracting Ltd. The project will have multiple elements, including on-river and off-river restoration, which will improve features for people and nature.
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We're offering two paid, full-time traineeships through the Sherbourne Valley Project, giving individuals hands-on experience, a recognised qualification, and the chance to work on practical environmental and heritage projects across Coventry.
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Celebrate Coventry’s hidden river at this year’s River Festival, taking place at FarGo Village on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September, from 11am to 4pm each day. River Festival Coventry is a weekend of creativity, community and connection to nature, suitable for all ages and interests. Let’s come together to celebrate the river that flows beneath our feet through Coventry.
A summary of some of the project's activities throughout April and May
