Town Mayor Loraine De Simone expressed her delight that, because of their work in forming a Wildspaces Hub, Cramlington Town Council won the first ever ‘Best Community Response to Climate Change Emergency’ category in the awards organised by Northumberland County Council.

She said, “The council’s work in creating a Wildspaces Hub has rightly been given recognition. Our engagement team identified ways the community could work together, and in doing so reduce our carbon footprint and encourage others to reduce theirs. This has involved bringing more trees, wildflowers and wildlife into our green spaces. Promoting wildlife development and nature trails, encouraging education and knowledge, developing a closer working relationship with nature, and improving the biodiversity of the area are all aims of the hub.”

“Many people visit Cramlington because of the choice of shops or maybe to see a film, but there is more to Cramlington than meets the eye.”

“They may not be aware of the fantastic green spaces, our environmental awareness and our community spirit.”

“This award is a testament to that, and the great work done by Cramlington Town Council.”

“The £250 prize money will be used to provide training for community beekeeping.”

Cramlington Town Council’s Engagement Team formed the hub by bringing together representatives of Cramlington Community Allotment, Bright Red blood cancer charity, Northumberlandia (Northumberland Wildlife Trust), Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group, Northumberland Communities Together, Friends of Doddington Woods and Friends of Valley Park.

It has enabled the whole community regardless of age, gender and physical ability to impart their knowledge regarding best practice in the current climate of increasing environmental awareness.

The council has engaged with the community across a variety of platforms. Almost £24,000 has been generated in the ten months the hub has been up and running and this benefits the individual organisations that make up the Wildspaces Hub.

Pictured: The Duchess of Northumberland presented the award to, from left, Community Engagement Officer Maggie Martin, Town Mayor Loraine De Simone and Community and Youth Committee chairperson Helen Morris.