For the Trailblazer Award, we nominate Bilbrook resident, Keri Lloyd. Keri is the founding member and Chairman of the Friends of Bilbrook (FoB), a non-profit making community group whose main aim is to improve the environment in which we live and to improve the open spaces around Bilbrook.
History of Friends of Bilbrook.
Keri moved back to Bilbrook with his family in 2007 whilst still serving with the British Army. His job had developed a sense of duty and a desire to give back. From his early 20’s Keri has passionately championed the cause of mitigating climate change and global warming and has always been very conscious about the way his and his families’ choices have impacted the environment.
In 2011, South Staffordshire District Council (SSDC) asked communities to set up Friends Groups to improve their local environments. Keri was keen to be involved and was one of the founder members of FoB. Keri’s passion has not waivered since the group was first established, his aims are and have always been to ensure nature is allowed to thrive and that as a community we work together to limit our impact on our changing climate. He took over as Chairman of the group in 2014 and continues to ensure that all projects have those themes running throughout. His job means he is away for months, but when he returns home, every spare minute has been devoted to FoB.
Keri has driven and led so many wonderful projects with FoB that have benefited the community. His wife, Annette, a fellow FoB member and tireless village and environmental advocate, elaborated on past and ongoing projects:-
MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area)
This was the first project undertaken. It took 3 years and the cost was £50,000. The first hurdle was funding – pots of money were obtained from SSDC and South Staffs Housing Association. This then gave the percentage needed to get the rest of the funding from Biffa (after 3 previous applications to other agencies). Then the consultation began; It had to be approved by Bilbrook Parish Council (the landowners), the Twentyman Playing Fields Association (the charity managing the playing fields) and SSDC Planning department. Residents were also consulted. Bilbrook Parish Council (BPC) had to agree to add it to their insurance and health and safety inspections. This is why it took 3 years of hard work before it opened in 2014. It has been in operation for over 10 years and is used daily for football, basketball and cricket by Bilbrook residents of all ages.
Jubilee Wood
This started with an application to the Woodland Trust, who were giving away packs of 400 saplings to create a woodland across the country to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Staffordshire County Council (SCC) gave permission for FoB to plant the trees on their land. A local ecologist set out a planting scheme, a planting date set with local schools, playgroups, the Air Cadets and the rest of the community and it was arranged for the Forest of Mercia (FOM)to come along and provide woodland activities for the children. A few days before the planting, SCC withdrew permission. This left Keri in a quandary, however, he was not deterred and negotiated with South Staffordshire District Council (SSDC) to plant the trees on a patch of grassland behind the Millennium Way. Thankfully, the planting days went ahead and all 400 trees were planted – two great community days.
Since then, Keri has applied for and planted more trees, requested a nature survey from SSDC and worked with many of organisations to create the best possible habitats within the wood. The wood is now a thriving biodiverse haven for wildlife and is much loved by residents, both young and old. Fob organises annual surveys in the wood Keri was instrumental in the installation of an outdoor classroom and picnic area. The classroom is used to host outdoor activity days. E.g. A wreathmaking, forest school, forest church Jubilee Wood also serves as a valuable space for environmental engagement, hosting events like bat walks, birdwatching and bird ringing. These activities encourage the local community to connect with and appreciate the natural beauty of the wood.
Tree Protection
Keri raises awareness and is an advocate for tree protection within Bilbrook. One example, is the rare male Black Poplar in Jubilee Wood, which is believed to be over 150 years old. During lockdown, a resident complained as they thought it was at risk of falling on their property. After completing a tree survey, SSDC agreed and decided to cut it down to a monolith. Keri was not happy with this, as well as it being a rare tree, it provided numerous nesting sites and habitats. He contacted the country’s leading Black Poplar expert and asked him to come and survey the tree. As a result, and with careful monitoring on the day, the tree received just a trim and was saved. As of April 2025, jackdaws were seen nesting in the hollows and starlings roosting in the branches.
Pesticide Free Bilbrook
Driven by concern for the effects of glyphosate on pollinators and health, Keri initiated discussions with SSDC and BPC to stop its use in Bilbrook. This initially met opposition; however, with explanation and education, Bilbrook is pesticide-free (apart from SCC, who refuse to stop using glyphosate). As the village grows, the challenge is educating new residents about the importance of maintaining this pesticide-free environment and the reasons behind it.
Roadside Trees
Keri is also concerned about air pollution and flooding risk, which are increasing with climate change. A few years ago, he began a project with SCC, FoM and BPC to plant trees along the road verges in Bilbrook. This would sequester carbon and mitigate flooding risk. He had to look at underground service plans, negotiate with SCC Highways and consult with residents. To date, around 40 trees have been planted on Bilbrook Road, Pendeford Mill Lane and Duck Lane with plans for more in the future. Keri has also discussed tree removal with SCC and managed to save several trees from complete removal by asking them to leave standing dead wood and /or only remove the tree down to the necessary point and not remove the stump which serves as a good habitat for wildlife. One stump that was saved on Joey’s Lane has since resprouted!
Wildflower Verges
Considering the importance of pollinators, Keri is deeply concerned about the dwindling wildflower meadows. Recognizing the significant decline in pollinator populations, he believes a re-evaluation of utility grassland management is crucial. He proactively engaged SSDC in discussions about their mowing practices. His efforts successfully persuaded them to allow three large verges in Bilbrook to grow uncut from May to September. This initiative involved extensive community education to ensure residents understood the purpose and ecological benefits of these unmown areas. Furthermore, Keri also persuaded SSDC to hire specialised equipment in September for cutting and removing the grass arisings. This successful pilot in Bilbrook then inspired other villages to adopt similar practices.
Other wildlife habitat creation/preservation.
Keri has also discussed the hedge cutting regime in Bilbrook with SSDC so that the hedges are allowed to recover and are cut in line with guidance to ensure the best habitats. He has also fought to preserve hedgerows on proposed housing and industrial developments within Bilbrook. Keri has worked with the local scouts and cubs to make and install insect hotels and bird boxes in Jubilee Wood. Residents have attended a bird box making event in Jubilee Wood and he spent time in Bilbrook Middle School making bird boxes. He has installed around 50 nesting boxes and 30 bat boxes in Jubilee Wood. Bird and Bat boxes have also been installed in the trees on the Twentyman Playing Fields.
Litter picking
Even before the formation of FoB, Keri has litter picked around the village, not only to keep the village tidy but to protect nature and our water courses from pollution. He has collected hundreds of bags over the years and inspired others to do the same. FoB loans out equipment to residents and Duke of Edinburgh students who are completing their volunteering hours litter picking. He has given up his time to take Young People from Lane Green School First School, Bilbrook Middle Students, Codsall High School, the Scout, Brownies and Air Cadets out on litter picks, explaining to them the dangers to our environment from dropping litter and also why we need to make changes to avoid the use of single use plastic.
Anti idling
Keri was instrumental in starting up the Bilbrook Anti Idling campaign, asking local schools and businesses if he could put up banners and posters, asking people to turn off their engines and giving them leaflets explaining why. This was in conjunction with SCC and their Air Aware campaign. which aims to raise public awareness about air pollution and its health impacts, encouraging switching off engines when vehicles are stationary to improve air quality. Recently, the campaign has been championed by the Bilbrook Climate Action Group who, along with the BPC Young People Engagement group, have launched the Bilbrook Anti-Idling Campaign which involves councillors, PCSO’s and pupils from local schools.
River Restoration
Records show that after the Second World War, Italian Prisoners of War were tasked with straightening the Moat Brook for agricultural reasons. Keri understood this was not good for nature because it meant less diverse habitats and a greater risk of flooding. He worked with others from FoB and the Environment Agency (EA)to reinstate the meanders and thin out the tree canopy. Otters and White Clawed Crayfish have been spotted. River improvements also resulted in Trout returning and FoB winning a “Trout in the town” bronze award.
River Fly and Water Monitoring
Keri set up a working relationship with a group called Waterside Care, who were overseen by Keep Britain Tidy. FoB members received training and the equipment to undertake water quality testing and kick sampling of the brook. This has been happening for over 10 years – water quality testing once a month and kick sampling twice a year. Sadly, Waterside Care lost its funding in 2023, however, FoB have carried on with the water monitoring. Keri has reported many pollution incidents to the EA, including builders of a new housing estate who were discharging straight into the brook. This resulted in the builders adjusting their working practices and preventing further pollution.
Balsam Bashing
Tackling the invasive Himalayan balsam, a plant notorious for its rapid growth and detrimental effects on native ecosystems and the health of waterways like the Moat Brook, has become a key mission for the Friends of Bilbrook (FoB). For nearly six years, under Keri’s dedicated guidance, FoB has been actively “balsam bashing” – the hands-on removal of this pervasive species. Keri himself invests a significant portion of his free time between May and August in this crucial effort, tirelessly pulling balsam, organising volunteer teams, and monitoring the impact of their work. The fight against this resilient plant is an ongoing challenge.
Repair Café
Keri is worried about all the things we throw away and the impact this is having on the environment. He thinks it’s too easy to just bin something instead of fixing it. Keri applied for a grant to set up a Repair Café in Bilbrook. Organising a Repair Café involves booking a venue, recruiting volunteer fixers and helpers, publicising events, organising refreshments and managing the flow of repairs on the day. The Repair Café runs at Bilbrook Village Hall every quarter and is now in its 4th year. It has saved almost 400 items from going to landfill. Keri carries out general repairs himself at the cafes and has fixed many sentimental items for residents, including two carriage clocks; One was a wedding gift 50 years ago, and the other was given as a long service award.
Active Travel
Keri is an advocate for active travel (using your own body or a bike to get around) He cycles to the station to get the train to London for work. He understands the issues affecting those who want to cycle. He has been instrumental in the installation of several bike racks around the village. Following on from that, Keri tried to cycle along the towpath from Pendeford to Bilbrook and discovered how difficult this was. He instigated a visit from the Canal and River Trust and Sustrans to walk the path with him. This has led to a huge project to improve the towpath between Bilbrook and Pendeford for pedestrians and cyclists. Once complete it will be a flagship project for other villages to follow.
Banks field
BPC owns the grazing land at Banks Field, as well as the land bordering the Moat Brook that runs through it. Keri started the discussion with BPC around how this could be managed for biodiversity. He has worked with BPC, FoM and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on a project to reinstate the flood plain and wetlands to encourage the return of Lapwing, Jack snipe and dragonflies. He consulted with the EA to secure £4,000 to complete the project earlier in 2025. He worked with the FoM to secure a tree planting scheme for the field, which will be completed this year. He researched different ways for the cattle to access drinking water and helped to install two pasture pumps to keep them out of the brook. He has also organised several surveys by external groups. E.g. Staffordshire mammal group. They spotted up to 20 harvest mouse nests, fresh and old otter spraint, signs of Foxes and Field voles. They also found a Badger sett and stumbled across several Woodcock and Moorhens. Keri has installed wildlife cameras that have captured footage of Otters and Foxes.
Bilbrook has benefited greatly since Keri and his family moved back to the village in 2007. Many of the vital environmental projects we’ve seen in Bilbrook wouldn’t have happened or continue to happen without his collaboration with various authorities and agencies. His unwavering dedication to advocating for the environment, educating, and inspiring our community is remarkable. With his wife Annette, Keri is a constant source of new ideas and funding opportunities, all aimed at tackling climate change and encouraging biodiversity in Bilbrooks’ shared spaces and private gardens. Keri’s respect extends far beyond Bilbrook into the wider environmental community.
You can read more about these projects and other at
www.facebook.com/Bilbrookfriends