Local park scoops second national environment award

A Cheshire East park has scooped a prestigious national environmental award.

Crewe’s Queens Park has been recognised by the government as a national ‘Bees Needs Champion’.

The award by the department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) recognises the historic venue’s work to help protect bees.

This award is in addition to the prestigious Green Flag that the park has been award for the fourth year and the special heritage accreditation for the third time. Queens Park’s latest win comes after its 18-month campaign to grow pollen-friendly plants and establish hives within the park.

On-site education took place around ‘bees needs’ through community group scheme, friends of the park. All this resulted in an ideal habitat that has encouraged high levels of biodiversity.

Ralph Kemp, Cheshire East Council head of environmental services, said: “It’s great news that Queens Park is receiving recognition for its environmental initiatives. This award is testament to all the hard work and effort put in from our volunteers, friends of the park and employees to increase the park’s level of biodiversity.

“We hope to build on these achievements and continue to make this a park the community can enjoy as well as a haven for wildlife for many years to come.” 

Queens Park is a Grade II listed public park, which dates from 1887 and provides a vast range of recreational facilities in a beautiful setting. These facilities include a lakeside pavilion, boating lake, outdoor gym, BMX track and a children’s play area.