A project which turned a dumping ground into a community garden has been recognised for its green efforts by a council-backed award.
Oakdale and Penmaen Community Woodland took the top prize at this year’s Pride in Your Place Awards run by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The awards recognise those who have made the extra effort to improve the quality of the environment.
The woodland saw off competition from 34 other candidates to be crowned the overall champion. Project organisers were awarded £1,000 by Caerphilly Council leader Harry Andrews and local firm SEDA, a key sponsor of the awards.
Cllr Andrews said: “Last year’s inaugural Pride In Your Place awards were a great success, and this year’s awards have raised the bar even higher.
“I am overwhelmed with the superb quality of the entrants and we were delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate all the hard work being undertaken across the county borough. To have received so many nominations at a time of austerity just proves that people in our communities truly consider safeguarding our environment as a priority, and these eco-champions deserve widespread recognition. Congratulations to all nominees; they are an inspiration to us all.”
The full list of category winners are:
Go Wild! – Ruperra Conservation Trust
Keeping Up Appearances – The Rock Inn
Best Environmental Business – Rainbow Enterprise
Recycling in schools – Greenhill Primary
Environmental Education – St. Martins Comprehensive
Healthy Living – Aber Valley Allotments
Best Community Project – Phillipstown Community Action Group
Best Kept Area Award – Oakdale and Penmaen Community Woodland
Youth Environmental Champion – Alun Mountjoy
Environmental Champion – Jess Amos
Overall – Oakdale and Penmaen Community Woodland