Hidden from the public eye, the work that takes place at the Carless Eco Centre is done entirely by volunteers. Their dedication and hard work is what keeps plants growing and plant sales running.
While on my work experience placement with Moor Pool Heritage Trust, I interviewed these volunteers to learn about their perspective and insights, and how they are able to keep the Carless Eco Centre running.
Roger has been volunteering on the Moor Pool Estate for over a decade. One reason why he enjoys it is because it “creates community. People that you work with are here not for themselves but for the community.” He also likes the involvement with the youth, saying “working with younger people… is really good. Often school parties come and I give them a tour.” Roger used to be a teacher and volunteering allows him to keep on connecting with the younger people of today.
Kirsten is a much newer volunteer, who usually helps at the Moor Pool Heritage Festival in September. She says that at the Eco Centre, “I get to see different people and meet different people who live locally on the Estate. It means you get to know your community a bit better.” A key point that Kirsten made was that gardening “always makes me feel good – the sense of wellbeing you get from growing stuff and seeing stuff grow”. This highlights the positive impact that volunteering at the Eco Centre has on the volunteers’ mental health.
Liz is also a new volunteer and uses the Eco Centre to escape from the urban environment. She says, “I think the sense of community is really good. In this urban environment sometimes this isn’t the case in a lot of cities. It’s quite unusual. I want to encourage that sense of community and be a part of that.” In addition to that she added, “I really like gardening so that’s a no-brainer. So I can learn things too. There’s things growing here that aren’t growing in my garden so I can get knowledge here from the other people who are volunteering.” Even for experienced gardeners, knowledge from fellow volunteers makes the Eco Centre a library of useful information.
In her 90’s, Shirley is no longer able to volunteer, but still comes to the Eco Centre as part of Moor Pool Heritage Trust’s Warm Welcome Wednesdays. In her words, “I’m too old to do any gardening now, but I like to see other people doing it. And meeting other people and having a chat.” The Eco Centre is a great communal space and, for people like Shirley, serves as a unique gathering place.
Kanika has been volunteering at Moor Pool for three years. She describes the Eco Centre as a “good space to clear your mind of everyday stresses. Everyone here is really nice and I’m a big fan of nature so it’s good to learn about new plants and flowers.” A relaxing place like the Eco Centre is a great tool when looking for a calm environment.
Linda is an experienced volunteer, chatty and full of life. She enjoys volunteering because “I care about not just the Estate but also other people. I was in a caring profession and that stays with you.” When asked ‘What do you feel is the most rewarding thing about volunteering here’, she humbly responded, “I don’t expect anything back from it to be honest. I don’t think you should volunteer to expect things back. I volunteer because I want to help, full stop. I don’t expect anything back from anybody except to accept my help.” Linda embodies the willingness to help present in all volunteers, who give up their time to run the Carless Eco Centre.
Margaret has been volunteering at the Eco Centre for two years. She likes the “outdoor space and the community feel” of the Eco Centre and likes how people can learn from each other. The thing she finds most rewarding is “seeing what we can produce, helping each other with suggestions. Sometimes we have a failure and sometimes things work really well.” This reminds us that co-operation and collaboration is what makes the Eco Centre so successful.
Sheila is a teacher and volunteers weekly at the Eco Centre. Like other volunteers, she comments on the “sense of community, growing things, coming every week and seeing how things have grown.” Sheila particularly expressed her liking of “the company and community. The coffee after is where we have laughs and really enjoy ourselves.” The amiable environment and gradual progress of the plants are why Sheila volunteers at the Eco Centre.
As a guest, and someone that had never heard of, or been to, the Carless Eco Centre, it was a pleasant surprise to see strong interwoven togetherness present in everyone who volunteers there. In populated cities such as Birmingham, access to a tranquil and homely place is a powerful influence in brightening someone’s day. Things such as plant sales are what keep the Carless Eco Centre running and more hands would definitely be a welcome help.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer at the Carless Eco Centre. Email Justine for more information.
David Ndukwe, Year 10 work experience placement student, May 2025
Moor Pool Hall
37 The Circle, Harborne,
Birmingham, B17 9DY
Registered Charity Number: 1148252
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