2024 Natural Environment Awards

Pelsall Village School wanted to improve the biodiversity of the school grounds and ‘the Nectar Room Partnership’ was created with the aim of creating a learning and activity hub within the school grounds. It was also important that the area was accessible to the public, and focussed on the environment, sustainability, and wellbeing.​

Crowdfund Walsall is a civic crowdfunding model, which is supported by Walsall Council and the Nectar Rooms crowdfunding campaign raised £20,267 from 124 ‘backers’. ​

The project was delivered in two phases: Phase One: 250m ‘discovery trail’ on school grounds around a wildflower meadow, including butterfly banks, habitat piles and other points of interest to encourage use, movement, and interest. Phase two: an outdoor classroom/bird-hide/community hub building to be used as a meeting space and outdoor classroom, as well as directing runoff from the building’s roof, into an attenuation pond.

School children were involved in the delivery of the project wherever possible, including making signs, planting and digging.​

The project was led by a steering group committee, including school governors, teachers, parents and community members. The committee are currently developing plans for extending the space further through restoration of woodland, and looking at how they can use the space to encourage increased community activity across parks in the area.​

Witton Lodge Community Association opened the Eco Hub to the public in April 2022, transforming a century old gate keeper’s cottage into an ambitious community venue with a firm mandate of environmental education and engagement. ​

Secured through an asset transfer from Birmingham City Council, the Eco Hub project saw a £1million renovation of the dilapidated Local Authority owned building – situated next to Witton Lakes. ​

The Eco Hub launched with a large community event where friends and neighbours could explore the new facility and learn about environmental issues. The new facility is proving hugely popular, attracting over 8,500 visitors between January and December 2023.​

A popular venue for community groups, local schools, and people visiting Witton Lakes, the Eco Hub offers free to access Tai Chi sessions, yoga classes, a gardening club, and an Energy Café – providing advice on energy efficiency to both the local community and visiting groups.​

The Eco Hub also developed the existing Velvet Orchard, which grows fresh food, plants, and flowers that further support the biodiversity of the surrounding green space and Witton Lakes and established dedicated spaces to support local wildlife, including special areas for frogs, newts, butterflies, and bees. ​