Long standing Green Flag Award park honoured with King's Award For Voluntary Service

Warley Woods Community Trust in Smethwick and its dedicated band of more than 300
volunteers have today been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)
for 2024.

This award is the highest recognition that a voluntary group can receive in the United
Kingdom and is equivalent to the MBE. It is awarded for life.

Warley Woods Community Trust is the only charity in the UK that has taken on the
management of a green space from a local authority. It had no model to follow and it's only
through the commitment and dedication of its hundreds of volunteers that it has achieved
its status of a thriving and nationally recognised community greenspace.

A board of tenacious volunteer trustees have led the way, overcoming many obstacles and
difficulties to make the Trust, the success it is today. Many parks have 'Friends' groups
which put on events and carry out maintenance work but Warley Woods Community Trust
is totally legally responsible for everything that happens in the park, making policy,
business and landscape management decisions.

Warley Woods is a very large urban park is surrounded by residential housing, has 4,500
trees, a golf course and is open 24/7 and 365 days of the year for the benefit and
enjoyment of the local community.

The Trust has raised more than six million pounds which has been used to restore old
features and create new ones.

It delivers more than 20 events throughout the year including the flagship summer event
Picnic in the Park which attracts thousands of visitors. It has partnerships with other local
organisations and businesses and continues to increase the range of activities and
facilities available to visitors.

Considered a local haven - particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic - it's so loved by its
visitors, that it has been voted one of the UK's favourite parks, year after year which is a
testament to what the Community Trust and its volunteers have achieved, and continue to
achieve.

Steve Eling has been Chair of the Trust since its inception in 1997 and has been at the
forefront of its development ever since. He said:

"This is a very proud moment for Warley Woods and the local community. The
King's Award is the most prestigious accolade any organisation can receive for the
efforts of volunteers and making an impact in the community.

Thousands of people have volunteered over the twenty years since Warley Woods
Community Trust took ownership of the park. They have made a big difference to
every aspect of the park, it facilities and management, as well as all the popular
events.

Warley Woods is a national exemplar, leading the way in community ownership
and provision. My thanks go to everyone who has played a part in making Warley
Woods what it is and the recognition that has been achieved through this award".

Its Patrons, who are themselves volunteers, have joined in the celebrations.
Stuart Maconie said:

“Warley Woods is a place beloved by me and all of our community and so much
of its joy and pleasure is down to the hard work and cheerful enthusiasm of the
many volunteers. This award is so richly deserved”

Colin Buchanan added:

“Huge congratulations to everyone involved with Warley Woods Community
Trust. A timely and very well deserved recognition of the effort and dedication
displayed by all who contribute to the maintenance and development of one of
the UK’s favourite parks. A true gem!”

The award marks a hat trick of celebration and achievements for 2024 with the Trust
celebrating its 20th year anniversary of managing Warley Woods, being voted one of the
UK’s Favourite Parks again today (14th November), and now being awarded the King’s
Award for Voluntary Service.

Warley Woods Community Trust is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary
groups nationwide to receive the prestigious award this year.

Anyone wanting more information about Warley Woods Community Trust and/or its
volunteering opportunities can visit www.warleywoods.org.uk