A SECRET garden in Warrington town centre has been recognised for its impact on the community and received two major awards.
Culture Warrington and Golden Square’s Sky Garden is a little-known treasure hidden on the top floor of a multistorey car park in the town centre.
The project was launched two years ago and is open to the public during Golden Square’s normal opening hours.
Recently, the Sky Garden won Gold at the International Green Apple Environment Awards at a ceremony at Kensington Palace in London.
The annual has more than 1,200 entries and recognises environmental best practice around the world.
The project was recognised in the Retail Community Partnerships category for the positive impact it has had on schools, community groups and families with fresh produce.
Just weeks before, the Sky Garden was also certified as ‘thriving’ by the RHS in the Britain in Bloom: It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards North West.
This was in recognition of how the charity Culture Warrington works with volunteers to bring the community together through a series of events throughout the year.
“The Sky Garden project has been fantastic to dream up and work on,” said Amanda Moor, Culture Warrington’s education and sustainability officer.
“Obviously, the work up here isn’t just about awards and recognition, but at the same time it is really good to know that people have heard about the garden and value the work that we do.
“It’s definitely been a busy time with two award ceremonies in one month, but we couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out.”
The site is a ‘living addition’ to Warrington Museum’s natural history offer and is used for wellbeing and educational projects.
What once was just another part of a car park has become a thriving, biodiverse place that highlights what a small green space can do for a community.
“It’s hard to remember sometimes that the garden started as a bare patch of concrete. We’ve grown a lot and had some great times along the way.
“I’m looking forward to planning out the next year’s activities soon so watch this space.”
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