The jobs undertaken by the wardens are many and varied. Probably the single most important job is talking to people and helping them get the most out of their visit. Other tasks include fencing, litter picking, tree work, hedge laying, tree planting, visitor management, path maintenance, wildlife surveys, habitat management, working with schools and recruiting volunteers.
Much of the work we do is seasonal; hay meadows are cut in the summer, woodland management and hedge restoration work is usually carried out during the winter months. Litter picking is unfortunately an all year round task.
Wardens are highly skilled individuals who are practically minded and can turn their hands to most things.
You can view further photos of the Leasowes on Flicker.
- Our volunteers come from all walks of life and commit varying amounts of time to helping out on site. Tasks are many and varied, but concentrate on practical management activities.
- If you enjoy wildlife and like to work outdoors come and register as a volunteer with us.
- It is a great way to keep fit, meet people and make a difference to the environment.
- Tasks include fencing, hedge laying, tree planting, hay making, wildlife surveys and much more.
Contact the wardens for further information.
Emerging from the short Gosty Hill Tunnel (no towpath) the canal passes through the former tube works and now ends at Hawne Basin where there are moorings. Originally the canal continued on to Selly Oak passing through the notoriously long and narrow Lapal Tunnel. It was the repeated collapse of sections of this tunnel that resulted in the remainder of the canal being closed in 1917.
A short un-navigable length remains in the Leasowes. The canal embankment here closed off the view from the poet William Shenstone's famous landscaped gardens in 1797. We are restoring the grounds but in the meantime there are still many pleasant strolls alongside the streams running through the woods. The more energetic can follow the series of footpaths which lead south to Illey and Lapal (not shown on the map).
The now disused section of the canal that runs from Hawne Basin to Selly Oak is under gradual renovation by the Lapal Canal Trust.
Find out more about the Heritage of the Leasowes.
The Leasowes is home to one of the richest waxcap grasslands in England and contains several internationally rare species.
The guide has been produced to aid visitors to Leasowes to find and identify some of these overlooked colourful species.
Please find below downloadable leaflets for you to enjoy the facilities available at the Leasowes:
