West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says an award-winning sensory garden created for veterans in Solihull, is a ‘brilliant example of the community caring for local green spaces.’
The Armed Forces Community Garden, in Hillfield Park, Solihull, was created by the Royal British Legion and Solihull Council.
The garden has helped improve the biodiversity of an old landfill site to provide veterans with a safe space to explore the green space, get involved with its maintenance and upkeep, or just sit back and contemplate.
It also acts as a meeting area and helps individuals with sensory disorders to develop or reactivate their remaining senses - this is especially important because a lot of veterans suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The project also involved tri-services, residents, the neighbouring primary and junior school, and military charities.
The garden won the Community category in the first ever West Midlands Natural Environment Awards earlier this year.
Mr Street, who grew up in Solihull, said: “The Armed Forces Community Garden, in Hillfield Park is a brilliant example of the community caring for local green spaces.
“It also reclaims what was a landfill site, encouraging biodiversity while also giving it a valuable new purpose – to support veterans.
“The Royal British Legion and Solihull Council have done a fantastic job with this innovative project, and were supported by many more people within the community.
“Looking after our precious green spaces enriches all of our lives. The projects we celebrated in the West Midlands Natural Environment Awards are improving health and wellbeing in local communities at the same time as contributing towards a beneficial longer-term impact on our environment.
“It’s important to give the passionate community groups, businesses, local authorities and educational institutions the recognition they rightly deserve.”