Black Country trust honoured with King's Award for its dedicated voluntary work at a 'true gem' of a park

More than 300 volunteers at Warley Woods Community Trust in Smethwick have today received the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service 2024 - the highest recognition award that a voluntary group can receive, which they hold for life. 

Warley Woods Community Trust was formed in 1997 to protect, restore and manage the infrastructure of the 100-acre Bearwood parkland - it was taken on by ten staff members and hundreds of volunteers that took over the management from the council, and is believed to be the only charity in the country that has done so. 

The large urban park is surrounded by residential housing, has 4,500 trees, picnic areas and a golf course, and is open every day, all year long for the enjoyment of the local community.

Many parks have 'friends' groups which put on events and carry out maintenance work but Warley Woods Community Trust is slightly different in that it is legally responsible for everything that happens in the park, making policy, business and landscape management decisions.

The Trust has raised more than six million pounds which has been used to restore old features in the park and create new ones. 

It also hosts more than 20 events throughout the year including Picnic in the Park, which attracts thousands of visitors, as well as having partnerships with other local organisations and businesses. 

Steve Eling has been Chair of the Trust since it began in 1997 and has been at the forefront of its development ever since.

Upon learning of their award, he said: "This is a very proud moment for Warley Woods and the local community. The King's Award is the most prestigious accolade any organisation can receive for the efforts of volunteers and making an impact in the community. Thousands of people have volunteered over the twenty years since Warley Woods Community Trust took ownership of the park. They have made a big difference to every aspect of the park, it facilities and management, as well as all the popular events. Warley Woods is a national exemplar, leading the way in community ownership and provision. My thanks go to everyone who has played a part in making Warley Woods what it is and the recognition that has been achieved through this award". 

Its Patrons, who are themselves volunteers, have joined in the celebrations.

One of them, Stuart Maconie, said: “Warley Woods is a place beloved by me and all of our community and so much of its joy and pleasure is down to the hard work and cheerful enthusiasm of the many volunteers. This award is so richly deserved”

Patron Colin Buchanan added: “Huge congratulations to everyone involved with Warley Woods Community Trust. A timely and very well deserved recognition of the effort and dedication displayed by all who contribute to the maintenance and development of one of the UK’s favourite parks. A true gem!” 

The award marks a hat trick of celebration and achievements for 2024 with the Trust celebrating its 20th year anniversary of managing Warley Woods - being voted one of the UK’s Favourite Parks again on November 14, and now being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

Warley Woods Community Trust is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups nationwide to receive the prestigious award this year.

Anyone wanting more information about Warley Woods Community Trust and/or its volunteering opportunities can visit www.warleywoods.org.uk