WHO WE ARE
Our Roots
Welcome to the website for the Friends of Robinswood Hill. (Please note that the site is still under development and further changes and improvements will be made!)
We are an independent society founded in 1975 to stimulate public interest in Robinswood Hill, and to endeavour to ensure that it remains an area for quiet, informal public recreation while conserving its natural beauty and amenities.
WHAT WE DO!
Supporting the Community to enjoy the Hill
Friends of Robinswood Hill are striving to achieve more with our initiatives than ever before. We plan to work on many exciting projects to help improve amenities and access to the Hill as well as conserve its natural beauty. We are very proud of the progress we continue to make. Learn more about what we do, how we help, and the work we do.
VOLUNTEERING
Making the Hill Happier
The Friends of Robinswood Hill primarily assist the Rangers through monthly work parties, patrolling and general vigilance in respect of fire or potential issues. We are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in assisting and involving the whole community. We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support.
FUNDRAISING
Raising funds to support improvements and access to the Hill.
As an independent non-profit society our Membership fees and regular fundraising activities enable us to provide financial support to Projects and activities on the Hill in support of the Rangers and for the benefit of the community.
ORGANISING ACTIVITIES ON THE HILL
Helping the whole Community enjoy the Hill.
The Friends promote and fund a range of activities on the Hill and in the local community, including lectures, visits and guided walks of the Hill.
We also keep a watchful eye on the rights of way and developments in the vicinity of the Hill. We actively advocate for the continued protection of the Hill and its access by the community.
"One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing."
Jean Vanier
Upcoming Events
Multiple DatesThu, 02 MayGloucester02 May 2024, 14:00 – 16:00Gloucester, Robinswood Hill Country Park/Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UK02 May 2024, 14:00 – 16:00Gloucester, Robinswood Hill Country Park/Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UKWe help the Rangers with their conservation work on the hill, mainly clearing scrub and clearing footpaths. When the birds are not nesting we can be found hacking at undergrowth and having huge bonfires which is enjoyed by all.
Wed, 15 MayRobinswood Hill Country Park15 May 2024, 19:00 – 21:30Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UK
Sat, 13 JulRobinswood Hill Country Park13 Jul 2024, 21:00 – 23:30Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UK
Sun, 29 SeptGloucester29 Sept 2024, 11:00 – 15:00Gloucester, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UK29 Sept 2024, 11:00 – 15:00Gloucester, Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UKWe are running our ever popular Landrover trips . This is a chance for those members of the local community who may normally struggle to get to the top of the hill to be driven up to take in the wonderful views from the top of the hill.
Time is TBDGloucesterTime is TBDGloucester, Robinswood Hill Country Park/Reservoir Rd, Gloucester GL4 6SX, UK
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Committed to the Cause
ANDY RODGERS
Chair
I was born in Cheltenham, and left Gloucestershire in 1989. Having lived all over the UK as well as in Europe and South East Asia with work, I moved back to Gloucestershire in 2013. I'm married to Jackie and between us we have 4 children, 2 dogs, 2 chickens and a tree-frog. We both love walking around the Hill and especially realised during the COVID lockdown what a beautiful and valuable asset the Hill was and how it helped the wider community. In my spare time when I'm not stamping around the hill with the dogs I enjoy hill walking, fly fishing and cooking. I look forward to reinvigorating the Friends activities and widening our membership post-COVID.
BEN KLINKENBERG
Co- Chair
I am a Gloucester local and have lived at the foot of Robinswood Hill for most of my life. As a child I always enjoyed walking and playing on the hill and I've tried to keep both up as an adult! Having the natural space of the hill inspired me in my studies in wildlife and conservation which has led to my current role as lecturer in animal sciences at Hartpury University. I am also a Scout Leader at 22nd St Barnabas Scouts, where when the weather is good we will bring the scouts on to the hill. I took on this role to be able to help and encourage other people to engage and celebrate this great natural space.
SALLY LINDLEY
Secretary
I moved to Tuffley just over 6 years ago and Robinswood
Hill immediately became my favourite outdoor space – right over the road – I rarely walk my dogs elsewhere, unless we are away (as in photo!). I met Alistair fairly quickly and joined the Friends, just dipping my toe into the talks, walks and then an AGM. When Covid hit, this beautiful hill was a sanctuary to many of us and I really got to know it well and loved it even more. The time is right for me to try and help keep the Friends going and I’m sure once we find our feet fully, we will be able to meet more of our fellow hill lovers at our events. I also work in the Café currently, so pop in and say hello or catch me on the hill with my dogs…
ALISTAIR BALL
Treasurer
I have lived on Robinswood Hill for over 30 years and it is only when I started to walk friend's dogs that I realised what an amazing asset it was. I wanted to support the activities on the Hill so joined the Friends and in 2018 I toook on the role of Treasurer. I still enjoy walking on the Hill and meeting up with many friends both 2 legged and 4 legged! Over the years there have been many changes on the Hill which I have enjoyed being involved with. I am particularly pleased we can include the local community in our activities.
We’d love to hear from you.