Summer at Martineau Gardens J Fletcher
Martineau Gardens – an oasis for wildlife J Fletcher
Celebrations! Volunteers and Staff on Green Flag Day, 2015 at Martineau Gardens
Martineau Gardens, Edgbaston named as one of the best in Britain
Our Therapeutic Community Garden is one of the very best in the UK – and that’s official! We’re amongst 115 parks and green spaces within the West Midlands to be receiving the prestigious Green Flag Award today (Thursday 23 July). To celebrate the good news, please join us and drop in for a cuppa on Thursday 23 July at 12.30noon* to watch the official flag unfurled beside the Pirate Shipwreck Play Area.
The award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards.
Our Community Garden though only two miles from Birmingham city centre, is an oasis for wildlife. The Gardens are looked after by volunteers, many of whom have mental health issues and learning disabilities. Hundreds of school children visit the Gardens to learn about science and environmental issues. Martineau Gardens is also visited by the general public; every year Birmingham people visit the gardens to explore its woodland, glass houses, formal garden, orchard, demonstration food growing areas, wildflower meadow, pond, wildlife area with SLINC status and ‘Shipwreck’ children’s play area. The Gardens also run an annual events programme and sell plants, produce and jams.
Caroline Hutton, Director, Martineau Gardens said on receiving the award for a sixth year running:
“Martineau Gardens are a community-run garden that’s open for free to the public. This award is a tribute to the dedication of our volunteers who work hard to keep the gardens a beautiful and tranquil spot for Birmingham people to come and relax in.”
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Martineau Gardens is open for visits and plant sales, Monday to Saturday (except bank holidays), 10am until 4pm, entry is free. www.martineau-gardens.org.uk 0121 440 7430 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UG