ENVIRONMENTALLY-minded community heroes have picked-up a green award.
Achieving Results in Communities (ARC) has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to local green initiatives in Leamington and Warwick, receiving this year’s BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Make a Difference Green Award.
The award celebrates those who make a real difference, and ARC was honoured for its 15 years of dedicated work transforming underused spaces, supporting wellbeing, and bringing people together through gardening and nature-based projects.
Kath Pasteur and Kate Haines, who collected the award on behalf of ARC, said the recognition highlights the importance of community-driven environmental action.
“When we started, we transformed a bit of derelict land into Foundry Wood Community Woodland in Leamington, and it’s just grown from there,” said ARC director Kath Pasteur.
Since those early beginnings, ARC has expanded to run community gardening projects and groups for people experiencing mental health challenges. Their work helps create green, inclusive spaces that nurture both the environment and the wellbeing of local residents. They invite adults, children and families to join the various drop-in sessions, courses and community events.
One of their recent initiatives, the Lillington Community Orchard, was developed in partnership with the local council and Lillington Primary School. ARC planted 25 fruit trees on underused green space between the school and flats, and is now producing plums, apples, and pears for the local community.
Group facilitator Kate Haines said: “The orchard has really brought people together and shown what’s possible when communities and organisations collaborate.”
The recognition from BBC Coventry & Warwickshire highlights ARC’s commitment to greener spaces working with the local community, and also their long-standing dedication to community wellbeing across the region.
Visit www.arccic.co.uk for further details about ARC’s work.
