KILBURN COMMUNITY GROUP

A small group of volunteers working to improve our area – currently focused on Kilburn Nature Reserve & Memorial Area

 

Here We Come! Kilburn Community Group – Annual Overview & Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, there is so much to look forward to at Kilburn Nature Reserve and Memorial Area. What began as a space in real need of care has, through dedication, teamwork and community spirit, is a growing and evolving place that our village can be proud of. And we are just getting started.

Looking Ahead – 2026 / 2027 Priorities

Completion of the barked canopy gathering area

Installation of additional benches and seating

Construction of a safety fence along the brook

Improved steps and sloped access to the brook 

Ongoing pathway and brook maintenance

Tree clearance where the two brooks meet

Continued bulb planting for year-round colour

Creation of the soil mound floral feature (topsoil needed)

Grass seeding and summer shrub planting

Topping up MOT/gravel on existing pathways

Removal of additional diseased trees

Continuation of the Community Pebble Path

Plus, general maintenance and anything that crops up organically that we feel needs attention.

The Greenway – opening soon!

The developing Greenway cycle and walking route, which passes close to the reserve, presents an exciting opportunity. As more walkers and cyclists travel through the area, we want the reserve to be somewhere they can pause, explore and enjoy. This makes 2026 an important year for continued improvements.

 

A Memorial Space at the Heart of Nature

The reserve is not just a green space, it is also a Memorial Area, with trees and bushes planted in memory of loved ones. However, due to historic ground conditions (the land was previously part of a building site before the A38 development), soil quality in some areas affects tree survival.

For this reason, we are encouraging alternative memorial options including sustainable benches, planters, bulb donations and perennial planting, especially within the new soil mound floral area once completed. We are now installing eco-recycled, sustainable benches sourced from a local company in Chesterfield. Anyone wishing to purchase a memorial bench can contact Kilburn Parish Council for pricing details.

Community Involvement - We are incredibly proud of the growing community involvement.

The Scouts built several bat and bird boxes that have been installed around the reserve

Rainbows and Brownies created the Nature Reserve logo KCG through a competition

Construction of a bug House and wooden wind chimes

Creation of the new Community Pebble Path

Members of the public have donated bug houses, bird houses and additional bat boxes

What We Need

We are grateful for funding support from Kilburn Parish Council, who are custodians of the land. However, the volunteer group carries out the hands-on work and ongoing care.

We welcome:

· New volunteers

· Fundraising ideas

· Help with funding applications

· Donations (particularly topsoil for our floral mound project)

Local expertise and inspiration

From Spring 2026 through to Spring 2027, we have ambitious plans. More helping hands will make the work lighter and even more enjoyable.

Join In Our Volunteers – The Heart of It All

We currently have around 12 regular volunteers, with a fantastic mix of ages and skills. Some bring forestry, landscaping or gardening expertise; others bring enthusiasm and a love of nature. Children often attend with parents, making it a truly intergenerational effort.

We meet:

One Saturday per month (9:30am – 12pm)

From April to September, we also hold a weekday evening session Tuesday:6pm. (TBC)

Upcoming meetup dates:

March 14th – 9:30am

April 18th – 9:30am

May 9th – 9:30am

June 13th - 9:30am

You do not need to attend every session. Even occasional help makes a real difference.

Please bring gloves and any hand tools. Some equipment is available to use.

We are a friendly, welcoming team. We often meet socially for coffee or a meal and occasionally hold volunteer barbecues at the reserve.

Contact: Email: clerk@kilburnparishcouncil.gov.uk, Phone: 07989 623309

Or visit the Kilburn Nature Reserve Facebook page and leave a message.

Kilburn Nature Reserve and Memorial Area belong to the whole community. Together, we are transforming it into a place of beauty, reflection, biodiversity and connection.