Caldmore Community Garden has again been awarded a Green Flag Community Award, recognising the continued dedication of local residents in creating and maintaining one of the country’s best community-managed green spaces.
The award, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, sets the benchmark for publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the UK. It celebrates well-managed spaces that bring people together, support biodiversity, and provide vital opportunities for health and wellbeing.
Established in 2011 on a once-derelict piece of land owned by Midlands landlord whg, the garden is managed by Caldmore Village Festival Group and supported by Walsall Council. It has grown into a vibrant community hub where people can come together to grow food, connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.
Sarah Clarke, Steve Breeze, David Lawrence, Anna Webster, Mohamed Arif, Estelle Fisher and Cllr Adrian Andrew celebrate by raising the Green Flag. Photo: Caldmore Community Garden
The award comes just months after the garden’s long-term future was secured, thanks to a lease extension jointly agreed between whg and Caldmore Village Festival Group. The longer lease provides stability for the group and will support their ambitions to attract additional funding and expand the activities on offer for local residents.
Mohammed Arif, Chair of the Caldmore Village Festival Group Board, said: “The Green Flag recognition is a fantastic way to showcase our community garden and the house. On behalf of the Caldmore Village Festival Board, I would like to thank Walsall Council and whg for their continued support, and our staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to maintain and improve this space.
“We are very fortunate to have had Walsall Council and whg as our core partners from day one. Their support has made a huge difference in helping us attract funding for activities that benefit the diverse community we serve, alongside the dedication of our staff and volunteers.”
Sarah Clarke, Director of Housing and Customer Service at whg, said: “Caldmore Village Festival Group have created something really special. Their commitment and creativity have transformed the garden into a safe, welcoming space that strengthens community bonds and supports wellbeing, and the Green Flag award is a deserved reflection of these achievements.”
Cllr Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, said: “The commitment of the local community and the Caldmore Village Board to this project has been incredible, creating an oasis of green and tranquillity in the middle of the urban sprawl. Green Flag recognition is a reflection of the hard work that has gone into the garden, and my congratulations go to all involved.”
Caldmore Community Garden is open to all free of charge.
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