Solihull's Green Flag-awarded Hope Coppice, where Veolia delivers grounds maintenance on behalf of the Council, has been honoured with the prestigious 'Best of the Best' award in the Best Biodiversity Habitat Creation Project category by Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag Award team. This award recognises the exceptional transformation of Hope Coppice’s empty fields into a thriving nature reserve, significantly enhancing biodiversity and improving the wellbeing of the local community.
From its humble beginnings as a blank canvas, the site now boasts an orchard, a Commonwealth forest, a natural play area, and serves as a sanctuary for rehabilitated hedgehogs.
The success of Hope Coppice is attributed to the dedicated work of Solihull Council's Public Realm team, the Friends of Hope Coppice volunteer group, and environmental contractors Veolia. Their combined efforts have turned this once-empty space into a flourishing haven that is fast becoming the crown jewel of Solihull's green spaces.
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:
“Hope Coppice used to be an underutilised piece of land, bound for housing development which was saved and transformed into a vibrant nature reserve for the benefit of the local community and beyond. Amongst other things, it now includes a community orchard, Commonwealth forest and woodland trees in remembrance of those affected by the Covid pandemic.”
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Cllr Ken Hawkins, said:
“Thriving with diverse wildlife, including goldcrests and barn owls, Hope Coppice has also become a sanctuary for rehabilitated hedgehogs through our partnership with Solihogs Hedgehog Rescue.
“We would like to send our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the council’s Public Realm team, Veolia’s grounds maintenance staff, and the ‘Friends of Hope Coppice’ group for their continued support and commitment to preserving and enhancing this vital space.”
Sue Cummine, Contract Manager Veolia Solihull, said:
“We are so proud to have been involved in this fantastic project working closely with the council and volunteers. From tree planting to grounds maintenance, Veolia delivers essential services across Solihull’s parks and attaining this award is the icing on the cake for our hard-working team. We look forward to continuing to support this award-winning coppice in Solihull.”
