Friends Of Rodney Road CIC

The company exists to serve the people and wildlife local to Rodney Road Playing Field in BS15, Bristol and its immediate surrounding area. In the financial year 2024-25 the CIC’s activities have been beneficial in the following ways: The CIC continued delivery of a multi-year project funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) as part of their Pollinator Fund, created to support community-led ecology projects that enhance biodiversity and pollinator habitats across the West of England region. Project activity funded by WECA in 24-25 included additional tree planting, additional sowing of meadow and hedgerow mix seed, meadow and orchard area plug planting. The CIC also delivered a day-long celebratory community ‘Harvest Festival’ event in October 2024, which included a kids crafting area (including pollinator themed drawing, origami insects and ‘build your own bug hotel’ kits for families to take away), live music, food from a local baking business, an information stall (with information on recent planting including species lists) and local traders (all local businesses, including wildlife themed artists Ferne Creative and Tiny Toucan Pottery, plus plant seller Sprouts). The event was a resounding success, attended by over 200 local people from nearby streets as well as MP Karyn Smyth. The CIC Directors supported management of remaining Community Interest Levy funds relating to the field, held in Bristol City Council accounts. In particular, the installation of sculptural installations from local wood carver Andy O’Neill, including a grass snake and an ornate carved bench with depictions of different pollinators. These have been greatly appreciated by local people. The CIC continued to engage with over 30 local volunteers and local councillors with planting activities and litter picks in Rodney Road Playing Field. The CIC was awarded £1,000 from Bristol City Council’s Community Festival Fund, to hold a ‘Spring Gathering’ event in April 2025. During this period the Directors and volunteers planned, marketed and delivered the event, working alongside local charity ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ and their ‘Goat Busters’ project.