Planting Places Greenspace Award Winners Announced and Exhibition Opened
01/03/2009 16:39
Five top examples of greenspace across the South West have been awarded a Planting Places award, recognising the input and influence that all of these spaces have in supporting healthy, sustainable communities and the people who work to make them special.
Any greenspace in the region that is free and accessible to the public could be nominated for the awards, and entries were received from all across the region and all types of greenspace; from parks, community gardens and allotments to green route cycle paths, playing fields and even cemeteries and rooftops.
Overall Winner – Penhill Orchard, Swindon
The Penhill Orchard, planted on a disused allotment, is entirely managed by a group made up of community residents. As well as providing free fruit for an area of disadvantage, it enhances the space for wildlife and provides and preserves a very pleasant place for the local community.
Best Practice: Engaging the Community – Torre Churchyward, Devon
‘Friends of the Churchyard’ was formed in 2005 to rejuvenate this ancient churchyard. Local volunteers have changed what was a "no go" area into a wonderful green oasis in the centre of Torquay. Although this is a designated area of deprivation, it no longer feels like that, as everyone takes a pride in where they live.
Highly commended in this category: Modbury Millenium Meadow, Devon and St Neot Green, Cornwall
Best Practice: Supporting Biodiversity - Maningham Wood, Cornwall 
Maningham wood is a small woodland in the centre of Illogan, formally opened in October 2004 after many decades of neglect. There is a programme of volunteer action, maintenance of the shrub beds, litter picking, keeping paths clear and managing brambles and other invasive plants which pose a threat to the local biodiversity.
Highly commended in this category: Modbury Millenium Meadow, Devon and Torre Churchyard, Devon
Best Practice: Promoting Health & Well Being – St Neot Doorstep Green Garden, Cornwall
St Neot Doorstep Green is the result of a massive community effort to turn a meadow into a beautiful garden and performance area. In over 2,000 volunteer hours, the villagers of St Neot created a centre of opportunity, right in the heart of the community, where villagers of all ages can relax, exercise, enjoy a concert, hold a barbeque or just sit and look at the vistas.
Highly commended in this category: Badock’s Wood, Bristol
Best Practice: Responding to Climate Change – Russell Town Avenue Community Allotment, Bristol 
RTACA, located at City Academy Bristol (CAB) on Russell Town Avenue is an interesting, lively space that is used for training and social events as well as growing food. RTACA allows local residents to share ideas about preparing and cooking produce and to develop skills in landscaping and garden construction projects. It's an enriching experience being outdoors, working and learning together to achieve a common goal - producing fresh, tasty, healthy, lower mileage food!
Marilyn Beale, Secretary of Penhill Orchard group, Swindon - this year’s overall winners - said, "It's the CHERRY on the cake to win this award. The SEED of the idea came from Common Ground. A PEAR of us asked around to GAGE how much interest there was in setting up the Orchard. It gave us the PIP when some thought we were BARKing and doubted we could do it, but once they TWIGged what we were up to, they could see the aPEEL. It's now a PEACH of a project. We went NUTS when we had enough cash to set up. Then Bob and the team had the PLUM job of digging most of the holes and planting the trees. We hope our win will encourage others to BRANCH out and plant more new Orchard, especially for those less able to afford fresh fruit and in areas where its harder to boost interest in biodiversity.”
Planting Places project manager Lynn Gibbons explains why the awards are important for the region, ‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to show how important their greenspaces are to their communities and all of the environmental and social benefits associated with them. We received some fantastic award entries this year which demonstrates the amazing work going on throughout the region.’
The Planting Places winners are highlighted in a special exhibition, displayed in the shop gallery of The Architecture Centre, Bristol, from 3 March – 5 April. The exhibition is part of this year’s Spring Green season at The Architecture Centre, which celebrates urban green spaces and encourages debate about their future. Through a season of exhibitions and events we highlight the importance of the network of spaces that forms the green infrastructure to urban environments and the key role it plays in shaping sustainable neighbourhoods. The programme addresses topics such as urban food production, biodiversity in the built form and new landscape design. Spring Green is The Architecture Centre’s annual programme of exhibitions and events that celebrate and showcase sustainable innovation in the built environment. Click here for the Spring Green 2009 programme.
Planting Places is a partnership project coordinated by Sustainability South West to champion and celebrate local greenspaces and their importance in building sustainable communities. Supporters include the Architecture Centre; Natural England; South West Strategic Health Authority Environment Agency and Arup.
For more information about Planting Places and the Planting Places awards, including information about all of this year's winners, please visit our Planting Places website.
© 2012 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.