Coventry In Bloom 2012

The past year has seen continual hard work and determination from a host of collaborative teams including Coventry’s city centre BID, Coventry City Council and The Landscape Group. Working in conjunction with Kings Hill Nurseries and Coventry Telegraph, Coventry is extremely proud to enter the Heart of England in Bloom, ‘Large City’ category for 2012.

As Coventry prepares to welcome Olympic Football to the city, eager residents and enthusiastic community groups have worked with together to celebrate another memorable year.

Inspiring a noticeable sense of

4 | Welcome

pride in our city, citizens of Coventry have supported each other to help establish a greener, cleaner and more attractive place to live, work and invest.

With an array of rich heritage, stunning architecture and a diverse history, Coventry continues to preserve its influential landmarks whilst the Council has undertaken an overwhelming amount of redevelopment work in the city centre and suburbs. Alongside a wealth of smaller organisations, both Coventry City Council and the city centre Business Improvement District, continue to delight in Coventry’s Olympic co-host city status together with the positivity and transformation it brings.

Striking an optimistic chord with a diverse and multicultural community, the city has united to celebrate a highly significant year in Coventry’s history.

The city continues to celebrate a fantastic year of success, with on-going dedication, hard work and enthusiasm enabling Coventry to enjoy another fantastic year of achievement.

ur

ook

section A

ty. . pret

ng o i k a m

l city

A Horticultural Achievement | 5

Coventry, along with the rest of the UK, has been inspired this year to flex its green fingers and put on a nationwide show of gardening colour for London 2012. Throughout Coventry, block colour beds, planters and barrels can be found, filled to the brim with vibrant shades of pink, blue, green, orange, purple and yellow celebrating Coventry’s significant part in the 2012 Olympics and uniting both the community and nearby towns.

Greyfriars Green - the pedestrian route between Coventry rail station and the city centre provides an attractive walkway for commuters with a variety of bedding plants including coleus, begonia, dahlia, marigolds, salvia and zinnia on display. The Landscape Group has created an eye-catching themed bed along with two, life-size privet football players.

6 | A Horticultural Achievement

This year the themed bed is planted using the design of a football pitch to celebrate Coventry’s role as a co-host city. Created using a variety of eye catching summer bedding, the bed makes for an excellent focal point to represent the city’s dedication to both the Bloom campaign and London 2012. London Organising Committee Chair for the Olympic Games, Lord Coe, said: “We are a nation of gardeners and this is an opportunity to get people together to brighten up their area and build on our proud gardening heritage.”

Coventry Cathedral, our city’s most famous landmark, this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. In 1962, Queen Elizabeth consecrated the opening of the new Cathedral following the

devastation caused by the Blitz in 1940. To mark this milestone and the Queen’s own Jubilee celebrations, the Landscape Group have worked alongside the Cathedral to develop innovative, vibrant planting schemes not only for the Royal visit which saw Princess Anne visiting the city in May, but to add year-round vibrancy to this fantastic building. Planter containers, placed near entrances to the Cathedral have also been filled with a red, white and blue colour scheme using red geraniums, blue and white petunias and red begonias.

As ever, both Coventry City Council and the Landscape Group continue to observe the high standards of maintenance on main arterial routes in and out of the city. With the world’s attention fixed firmly on Coventry during 2012, continual work to water the road barrier planters and maintain grassed verges around the city provides attractive gateways for international and national visitors. Staff have been working hard to ensure all areas are cleared of any debris or litter. Local pocket parks such as Top Green, located on one of the busiest routes into the city, offer vivacious colour schemes within the numerous beds, which help to brighten the area dramatically and continue the lush green space leading from Coventry’s War Memorial Park.

Spring came early in Coventry this year after one of the mildest winters in a generation. Snowdrops, cherry blossoms and hazel buds bloomed weeks earlier than normal across the city; daffodils and crocuses were also seen well ahead of their usual arrival adding a splash of colour and spring vibrancy to the city. Our colourful flower beds and open green spaces are an integral part of city life here in Coventry, providing residents and visitors with the ideal place to unwind and enjoy nature.

Using carefully chosen and diverse multicultural displays, urban areas of the city are brought to life. To ensure maximum coverage throughout the year, beds are planted seasonally using a variety of bedding plants, again infused with a selection of bulbs, formal

bedding plants, polyanthus, pansies and veronica spicata. Soil is treated regularly with environmentally friendly fertiliser and locally recycled compost.

Coventry strives to incorporate a wide variety of sustainable planting in many of its pedestrianised areas, including the new space in Bull Yard and Coventry University grounds, which are suitably planted with a variety of herbaceous shrubs and seasonal bedding such as begonias, honeysuckle and cordylines, as well as at the base of the famous Lady Godiva statue in Broadgate.

A Horticultural Achievement | 7

Sustainability plays an important role in helping to deliver Coventry’s Bloom campaign, with a variety of hardy and seasonal herbaceous plants appearing in many of the new developments, ensuring maximum year-round coverage. Work within the newly regenerated area of Greyfriars Green includes the use of insect-friendly plant varieties such as lavender and vibrant hebe evergreen variations. Accent planting has been utilised in this particular location adding height by using bark, silhouette shapes and flowers to add all-year interest whilst also acting as a deterrent to passing pedestrians who may cut across grassed corners. The recent work in Greyfriars Green has also enabled easier access to and from the city centre to the main rail station, as well as creating more attractive, vibrant and spacious area of new planting.

8 | A Horticultural Achievement

Work continues to develop the city centre’s busy Hertford Street which has seen a new ornamental shrub plantation added amongst the retail outlets and high footfall areas. A mixture of hardy, vibrant and evergreen plants have been used to add a muchneeded splash of greenery including vinca major, acer palmatum dissectum, berginia cordifolia and skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’.

Staff working on key beds throughout the city use traditional planting methods as opposed to plug carpet bed planting which is considerably less sustainable. This traditional method saves money on plants and the otherwise intensive watering regime. Watering is carried out on a daily basis during the summer months and plants are dead-headed as needed. Plants found within the city are grown locally at Baginton Nurseries and come with peat-free compost and

a slow release fertilizer within the pots to encourage good plant health and maximum growth.

Jordan Well in the city centre has also seen trees planting in the past six months, with a new row of acer platanoides providing a contrasting and friendly change of scenery to the busy road. More trees have been put in around the new University Campus Hub, Ironmonger Row and Broadgate.

Additional trees and plants continue to be installed at Coombe Country Park, within the protected woodlands, War Memorial Park and Allesley Walled Garden, where the grounds are cultivated and treated with environmentally friendly fertiliser by the local residents.

A Horticultural Achievement | 9

In preparation for Coventry’s involvement in the Olympic Games, public influence and pride has notably increased. With intentions of creating a lasting legacy beyond 2012, residents of the city have worked with one another to enjoy and develop nearby areas of green space by sharing knowledge, time and skills. Running alongside the extensive city centre regeneration projects, residential schemes and numerous community projects have worked towards an enhanced sense of pride in Coventry for all who live within and visit the city.

10 | A Horticultural Achievement

One of the projects by the Residents of Starley Road that ran alongside the launch of a new website is the ‘Gardeners Swapshop’ which sees local people offering used tools and equipment to others who may need them. The group organised the successful, ‘Get Set Grow’ annual event, held in March this year which saw Garden Organic experts advising green-fingered enthusiasts on which plants are suitable for their own gardens and how to grow them. Residents worked with one another during June to clear an area in preparation for the 2012 Jubilee festivities which saw the community

join together for a celebratory garden party! In the north west of the city, the Allesley Walled Garden group continue to work within their tranquil garden and allotment space which provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to appreciate one of Coventry’s more secluded, heritage sites. With an established vegetable plot, weed-free pathways and accessible seating space, this is an outstanding addition to Allesley Park.

Heading back towards the city centre occupants of Lady Herbert’s residential cottages work to maintain and care for their communal garden.

With regular weeding, pruning, vegetable planting and the installation of herbaceous bedding alongside vibrant summer baskets, the trust is continually proud of the on-going efforts of its residents. Another example of outstanding horticultural achievement can be found within the beautiful, landscaped grounds of Eventide homes. The residents work tirelessly to improve and care for their historically significant garden which includes part of the old Coventry wall.

A Horticultural Achievement | 11

During May this year, Coventry Cathedral hosted an outstanding Flower Festival, designed to communicate the preceding 50 years of their history in bloom. The event, which celebrated the 50th anniversaries of both the Cathedral and the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS) South Midlands Area, was staged to commemorate the contributions of the many artists and craftsmen who have shaped the life of the Cathedral.

12 | A Horticultural Achievement

Coventry Business Park, located near the busy A45 commuter route to Birmingham offers a shining example of the care and dedication which is maintained all year round in this significant commercial locations.

Grass is regularly mowed, weeds are removed and hardy, herbaceous shrubs are planted within surrounding beds, providing a welcome splash of colour and variety to this busy, industrial site. Nearby, a landscaped water feature has been constructed, with added sheltered planting and rockery space which is often used by local birds and other wildlife.

The Walsgrave Triangle industrial estate, home to large organisations such as Barclay’s Bank and Lloyd’s Pharmacy continues to upkeep its contemporary landscape design using sustainable and attractive planting which provides year round colour, appreciated by both employees and visitors to the area.

Belgrade Plaza, Coventry University and Gosford Street car parks adjoin landscaped green spaces which are cared for regularly throughout the year, brightening up these busy urban areas.

Elsewhere, barrier planters and troughs welcome visitors with bright colours and attractive displays all year round.

A Horticultural Achievement | 13

The Landscape Group has continued their on-going efforts to provide services to the many businesses within the city centre, such as working alongside Severn Trent who recently relocated its national headquarters here in Coventry. The prominent energy efficient building houses a lush, safe and pleasant garden area for use by its staff.

Surrounded by numerous new trees, tidy lawns and ground cover planting, it’s a haven for its workforce. Regular watering and mowing ensures it looks its best all year round, as it also doubles up as a location to host on-site events and activities for the company and its partners. Surrounded with contemporary street furniture, neat borders and pathways, this well cared for green space is an excellent example of a new investor taking pride in our city.

14 | A Horticultural Achievement

Other stand-out sites include Warwick University and its excellent grounds, Coventry train station and its welcoming borders, bedding and trackside hanging baskets, Medieval Spon Street and its plethora of annual colour and the tidy, neat and modern angles of new tree planting, borders and traffic islands in Arena Park Coventry, one of the latest shopping retail parks in the city. The Squirrel pub and Browns Bar also provide colourful baskets and containers creating a friendly and inviting display for the many locals who live, work and shop in the city centre.

Coventry is proud of its premier, well maintained green spaces found throughout the city. Many of the locations including the War Memorial Park, Stoke Green, Longford Park, Allesley Park, Top Green, Hearsall Common and Lady Herbert’s Garden plus many more are cared for consistently throughout the year. Hedgerows are clipped and shaped where necessary, grassed areas are regularly maintained and flowering beds are tended to fondly, ensuring that the city’s green spaces are presented in the best possible manner, attracting not only visitors but garden birds, wildlife and insects too.

Coventry City Council own and actively manages over 200 hectares of mature woodland within the city boundary.

Over 100 hectares is ancient and seminatural woodland or replanted ancient woodland sites. The majority of the woods are designated as Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). Tile Hill Wood is listed

by English Nature as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its rich native flora representing local ‘Arden’ type woodland. Most of the woods are located in the south or south-west of the city, and were formerly part of the Stoneleigh Estate.

These woods were purchased in the mid 1920s by the Council for the benefit of the people of Coventry.

A Horticultural Achievement | 15

Access routes within the woods are good, with comprehensive networks of well-used paths. Many of the woods have hard surfaced paths with metal tap rails to encourage visitors with disabilities to use the woods. The woods with these upgraded paths include: Pig Wood, Tile Hill Wood, Park Wood, Wainbody Wood and Willenhall Wood. Parking is available adjacent to the woods, and details of bus routes are listed in the appropriate leaflets to ensure that residents and visitors to the city are able to enjoy these outstanding green spaces.

The Council hosts a dedicated team of Park Rangers who provide a variety of services along the Coventry Canal, and across local parks and green spaces.

The Rangers organise and promote a wide range of events, walks and talks, workshops and a variety of volunteering opportunities, working all over the city in parks, woodlands and other green spaces. The Rangers also attend a

16 | A Horticultural Achievement

variety of resident and community group forums in their areas and liaise with agencies like British Waterways, the Wildlife Trust, Youth Services, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Neighbourhood Wardens and the Police; the team are also members of the Urban Wildlife Network who exist to promote and defend nature in cities.

Coventry’s well-established Longford Park, the north of the city is undergoing continued improvements following an earlier local consultation which took place during 2011. The involvement of resident groups has been of great help with the introduction of colourful bedding schemes in the park, the building of a picturesque tree-lined river walk, the construction of ecological and wildlife conservation areas plus the installation of facilities for all the family to enjoy including a play area, skate park and multi-use games area.

Longford Park has also been proudly bestowed with the Green Flag award, providing a national benchmark for the best green spaces in the country.

The War Memorial Park has long been one of Coventry’s premier attractions and has recently seen its development efforts continue. Approximately 48.5 hectares in size, the park consists of two separate areas; its formal space and home to the focal War Memorial cenotaph, standing alongside open spaces of grassed land filled with fantastic new sports facilities including a tennis court and newly laid football pitches. Home to a 2.9 km circular footpath around the park, this location is a favourite with families, dog walkers and fitness fanatics, all of whom are able to visit the park and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The park is also filled with large trees and lush hedgerows plus a brand new educational visitor centre, offering a fantastic resource for local residents.

nd

nat

ura

l b eaut

y spots, g

r e e n sp

ac e s

and

kla pa r

y bo the cit

as

rio a v ts

us

B Environmental Responsibility | 17

The outer suburbs of Coventry are surrounded with natural green spaces and acres of woodland, serving as idyllic havens for local wildlife. The city boasts three outstanding nature reserves in Allesley, Tile Hill and another based within Coombe Abbey. Protecting these areas of great importance, filled full of flora and fauna, an array of birds and insects plus many other species whilst managing them for future generations has continually provided special opportunities for study, research and enjoyment within the city.

18 | B Environmental Responsibility

In January this year, staff at Coventry Garden Centre worked to support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in their latest campaign to record sightings of gardeners’ feathered friends. Supported by local press, the team offered the opportunity for residents to get involved with the ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ by recording their sightings, and supplying the RSPB with a vital snapshot of the UK’s bird population. Last year saw more than 600,000 people nationwide taking part, counting more than 10 million birds!

During February this year, community group ‘Friends of Canley Green Spaces’ spent time teaching local schoolchildren and residents how to build bird and bat boxes. Children, adults, and students learnt how to construct their own wooden bird or bat box to help provide a safe haven for the local, airborne wildlife population in the surrounding areas; the majority of boxes assembled were positioned within nearby woodland.

Now a full year since its construction,

Allesley Park’s wildlife pond is developing rapidly. The creation of this fantastic pond space has allowed the public to spend time learning about and investigating this ideal haven for local wildlife whilst the tall grasses have grown to provide a safe habitat for a variety of creatures; frogs, newts, birds and an array of insects to name a few.

Managed by Coventry City Council, this award winning Green Flag Park functions as a fantastic open public space for those within the local area; the new conservation site has served as a very welcome addition.

A good example of an exceptional pocket site for encouraging wildlife is opposite Longford Park – featuring a plethora of natural flowers adding a touch of colour to a busy suburb, this peaceful roadside plot is protected

by regularly maintained fencing and appropriate signage, adding to the history and information of one of the city’s key sites.

Other prominent wildlife areas are the small pool at the busy junction of the Binley Road in Coventry. Now fully established after years of wild flower, pond plant and tree growth, it attracts numerous birds, dragonflies, pond skaters, tadpoles, frogs, small voles and hedgehogs to name just a few. Canley Ford also offers visitors a chance to walk through acres of green belt land, covered with various types of trees, providing both shelter and shade for a wide range of wildlife.

B Environmental Responsibility | 19

Forming an integral part of the Bloom initiative, the education and implementation of recycling and energy-saving campaigns has continued during the year. Coventry City Council, The Landscape Group and partners have placed key importance on minimising the demand placed on natural resources. Outstanding recycling efforts and the re-use of waste from local houses and businesses continues year-round whilst local garden refuse is composted and then used on flower beds and gardens in the city centre.

The Landscape Group has adopted a different initiative this year which sees them dividing street debris and litter into that which is recyclable and that which is not. A separate, clear sack is used by refuse collectors who isolate items, such as plastic bottles

20 | B Environmental Responsibility

and cardboard packaging so it can be sent for recycling. Whilst clearing the city centre and keeping it clean, this creative idea has seen a positive increase in reusable waste collected.

During the autumn of 2011, greenfingered Coventry residents got their hands on free compost at War Memorial Park. Just less than 20 tonnes of compost was given to people who came along with their shovels and bags, taking up to three bags each!

The compost was produced from the contents of the brown-lidded bins collected in Coventry. More than 16,000 tonnes of garden waste is composted in the city each year, the process lasting about 16 weeks and producing great quality soil for local residents to use in their own gardens.

Management of the city’s waste is an area not without its challenges.

Coventry City Council has already led the way regionally and nationally in reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, through the effective use of the Energy from Waste plant and through the recent advances in recycling performance. This approach has yielded substantial benefits in terms of environmental impact by avoiding the damaging emissions of methane from landfill sites that would have otherwise occurred, and minimising the use of raw materials. Waste management practices in Coventry have always reflected current thinking in the management of waste, in terms of recognising that the disposal of waste in landfill sites is unsustainable and are a waste of limited natural resources, as well as contributing to global warming and the threats of a changing climate.

In April, Coventry was named the top UK city for reducing its carbon footprint. A new report commissioned by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and carried out by Oxford Brookes University discovered that Coventry’s emissions have dropped from 2062 thousand tonnes to 1634 thousand tonnes, a huge drop of 426 thousand tonnes - over 20%. Not only was Coventry top out of the 10 biggest cities in the UK, but of all 358 local authorities, only 11 made larger reductions. Coventry has been praised for the use of low carbon vehicles and the instalment of charging points for electric cars, involvement with the

Energy Savings Trust, investment in centrally controlled street lighting which can be dimmed and its work on social housing and homes in low income areas.

Charter Primary School has become one of the first primary schools in the city to self-fund retro-fitted solar panels.

The school, which was built in 2005, has had a solar photovoltaic array installed consisting of 17 panels. The system generates roughly 3300 kilowatt hours of energy per year, the equivalent of 3,300 cycles of a washing machine!

Although the system is not large enough to provide all of the school’s power, it significantly reduces the

school’s demand for energy from the National Grid. The school is well known for its eco credentials, having already been awarded a Bronze Eco Award.

A dedicated team of students known as the Eco Council work together to come up with ideas; recent successes include introducing recycling in every class.

B Environmental Responsibility | 21

With a population of around 300,000 people, Coventry is the 11th largest city in the UK and famous for its rich heritage of ribbon weaving and its on-going skills in watchmaking, motor manufacturing, innovative technologies, world stage events and excellent transport links. With the city’s traditional roots and landmark monuments, Coventry City Council works throughout the year to maintain significant heritage sites within the city. Alongside an exciting £300 million pound scheme to transform the city centre, work continues to improve our traditional, heritage locations as well as creating new developments. Coventry City Council alongside the Landscape Group work to ensure that these locations are kept weed free, washed and painted all year round whilst the frequent litter picking efforts and jet washing services continue.

Two local sites in the city centre, Bond’s Hospital and the old boys school

Bablake have an incredibly rich and diverse history. Bond’s Hospital was endowed by Thomas Bond - Mayor of Coventry in 1497 and in his will of 1506 as an alms house for deserving old men. It provided for 10 men for life, each was to be a member of the Holy Trinity Guild, and one woman to act as housekeeper. In 1832 the hospital was restored and by 1940 such was the income from Bond’s endowment that 85 Almsmen could be provided with six shillings per week.

Lady Herbert’s Garden is regularly maintained and cared for annually by The Landscape team. This heritage spot is famously named after Sir Alfred Herbert’s wife, Lady Herbert, and was designed pre-1930 with an arts and craft style. It incorporates part of the old city wall and lies beside the towns ancient gateways.

....

. . .after. .

22 | B Environmental Responsibility

e r o f be

before. . . . .

Ahead of the city’s Royal Visit in May, and London 2012, the decision was taken to offer numerous celebratory tours, encouraging visitors to discover Coventry’s rich heritage and culture.

Exploring our historical quarters, local guides will travel the city’s spectacular heritage locations with visitors whilst many of our striking, traditional buildings will open their doors to reveal some of our best kept secrets throughout the summer months.

During September, the city will host the Heritage Open Days event which once more see some of our finest heritage buildings open their doors to the public in a spectacular showcase of local history. Attracting hundreds of visitors each year, this popular event encourages residents and visitors to discover the citys finest heritage sites.

During the year, the Council has worked together with the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) to support communities and regenerate Conservation Areas in particular social and economic need. The THI has encouraged partnerships of local organisations to carry out repairs and other work to a number of historic buildings, structures or spaces within these defined areas. Over the last twelve months, much of this work has been focused in the Gosford Street area of Coventry where numerous heritage sites have begun to be renovated and carefully restored. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, these on-going restorations continue to re-establish pride, interest and investment in the city. Helping both residents and visitors to learn about the rich expanse of heritage here in Coventry, the project also conserves the sites for present and future generations to experience and enjoy whilst helping a wider range of people to take an active part in and make decisions about local heritage.

after. .

B Environmental Responsibility | 23

Working alongside on-going planting initiatives and conservation efforts, the cleanliness of Coventry, its residential areas and green spaces remain of high importance to teams within Coventry City Council and the Landscape Group. Staff ensure that fly posting, dog fouling, litter dropping and graffiti are kept to a minimum.

As a whole, Coventry City Council and the Landscape Group team cleanse a mammoth 10,000 miles of streets per year, picking up approximately 5,000 tonnes of litter whilst emptying almost 2,000 litter bins each week.

Coventry continues its zero tolerance policy toward those who discard their litter, which includes litter thrown from vehicles, plus have a team of enforcement officers who carry out regular patrols issuing fixed

24 | B Environmental Responsibility

penalty fines of £75 to offenders. The aim is to reduce litter by enforcement and education as the Council continues to support local groups who are willing to assist the organisation of community clean ups or litter picks.

Alongside these ongoing efforts, staff work to remove graffiti from highways and Council owned property, including children’s play equipment within five working days.

A life-size model of all 18,000 pieces of chewing gum picked up from the pavement in Coventry City Centre each year helped launch a new campaign for 2012, encouraging members of the public to dispose of their chewing gum responsibly. The new campaign is set to help save the Council thousands of pounds each year as each piece of gum costs an average of £2 to remove.

Run in partnership with the Gum Action Group, members of the public have

been encouraged to sign a pledge to no longer drop chewing gum on the pavements. Offenders could now face an £75 fine if caught. Developed alongside the multi-million pound improvement work taking place throughout the city centre, it is hoped that this campaign can contribute to improving Coventry’s environment for all who live, work and visit the city.

Results collated following the launch of the new campaign saw a whopping 85% reduction in chewing gum found on city centre streets.

Work has been focused during the year to remove discarded gum left in Coventry’s medieval area of Spon Street. Funded by the city centre Business Improvement District (BID), the Landscape Group has worked with particular effort here, using the Schmidt hot jet system to cleanse this historic area of the city centre. In May, the Schmidt was also used to perform a deep clean of the recently renewed area of Hertford Street whilst the innovative

system continues to be used city centre wide, all year round. Work continues to improve the overall look of pavements and pathways throughout Coventry which over time may become grubby as a result of passing traffic and high pedestrian footfall numbers.

Coventry City Council has recently welcomed a fleet of four Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars, leased by the Council as part of an on-going project funded by the Department of Transport.

Predominantly driven by supervisors in Waste Services, Park Services and Street Pride teams, the vehicles are used to visit various sites around the city. The cars have a range of 80100 miles, with a maximum speed of 81mph and can be charged in around six-seven hours. Mitsubishi estimate ‘fuel’ costs to be just £115 per 12,000 miles and although the vehicle has zero emissions from the exhaust pipe,

when the emissions from the power station are taken into account, the total CO2 emissions are still only 30% of a gasoline mini-car. The City Council have an additional electric Modec van and 40 diesel-hybrid vans alongside an electric smart car and 2 diesel-hybrid Toyota Prisus cars; all designed to contribute to the city’s on-going efforts to reduce harmful carbon emissions.

During the past twelve months, thirty six charging points for electric cars have been installed across both Birmingham and Coventry as part of the Coventry and Birmingham Low Emissions Demonstrator (CABLED) project thought to be the largest set up of charging points so far across the UK. Both cities were chosen to take part in a government-backed trial aimed at encouraging drivers to use electric or hybrid vehicles which has proved rather successful to date.

The charging infrastructure is being rolled out by Canley-based energy firm E.ON who are researching how charging cars will impact on the energy distribution network.

Riley Square, in Bell Green, was due to have an overhaul this year to make the empty shops look more attractive but ideas were needed! Local people and families were invited to go along to the Square on 19 May to share their ideas for the designs. Some funding was made available for the creation of artwork for the shop fronts and Community Connections Officer, Nick Richards, ensured that local residents and traders came along with their ideas on how the area could be brightened up to attract investors to the square.

B Environmental Responsibility | 25

As Coventry prepares to welcome the world for Olympic football later this year, Coventry City Council has worked to improve tired areas of the city centre, improving them for visitors, shoppers and traders this includes Hertford Street. Work began during March to remove old shopping signs and advertising units from this area of the city centre, whilst work was undertaken to re-plant the container boxes. Bins have been replaced alongside the cleaning and re-planting of the roof section to let in more natural light.

Supporting the local retailers has in turn seen vast improvements in

26 | B Environmental Responsibility

the environment here, making a real difference to both visitors and residents.

Other work has focused on improving public areas in the city creating a more attractive and accessible environment for everyone. One of the ways in which the Council is doing this is by taking away unnecessary street signage, barriers, railings and some traffic signals which is helping enhance the appearance of the area. This will help improve access to the shopping areas whilst easing congestion, making visiting the city a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Of equal importance are the improvements to the Station to Bull Yard route – a key connection and for many the first impression of the city centre. The old was route is unwelcoming and difficult to negotiate and involved using two subways. By working to improve the pathways, upgrading the lighting, removing unnecessary clutter and filling in the two subways to create surface crossings, local people and visitors can now enjoy an attractive and improved route into the city centre.

C

it y c

entre impro

. . s t vemen B Environmental Responsibility | 27

Forming part of the significant city centre enhancements, a new strategy is underway within Coventry City Council to develop and improve the city’s way finding facilities. Plans are in progress intended for the installation of enhanced street signage, envisioned to ease the way in which visitors and local residents are able to negotiate their way around the city centre. Including clear mapping and information in preparation for the Olympics during July, it is hoped that these additional features will continue to be a legacy for visitors beyond 2012.

Brand new, accessible street furniture has replaced worn out equipment within the city centre within the past year. Steel benches have been added to the busy shopping precinct, providing a welcome rest spot for visitors. In our new Broadgate, additional seating has been added to help complement this open space, designed to host markets and events and to bring the community and visitors together at the heart of Coventry’s shopping space.

28 | B Environmental Responsibility

C Community Participation | 29

Coventry continues its hard work and effort working with local communities, striving to provide both relevant resources and education to support ongoing improvement across the city. The Lake View Park Group Rangers have continued to work alongside Coventry City Council and build upon the good work started earlier this year. The first meeting saw more than 60 local people removing several van loads of rubbish, clearing the park and nature reserve whilst the group also opened up pathways, making the park safer for everyone. The second meeting in April proved to be just as successful with the group getting together to improve the nature reserve at the back of the park - an area of disused

30 | C Community Participation

allotments which have become a haven for wildlife. The Rangers have also spread several tonnes of stone on the entrance to the park to prevent this area from becoming particularly muddy during the winter months; improving access now and for the future.

Work on Broadgate reached another milestone in February as the first tree was planted within the newly developed space. The 11 ‘Acer Platanoide’ trees form part of the square’s dressing, alongside the grassed areas installed in nearby Trinity Street adding some further greenery to Coventry’s city centre.

The slow-growing nature of these trees alongside their oval, compact habitat makes them ideal street trees

because their columnar form needs virtually no maintenance. Leaves will turn an intense golden yellow in the autumn and vibrant yellow flowers will appear in April when the leaves are shooting.

At the beginning of the year, an enthusiastic group of Coventry youngsters contributed to the successful ‘Proud of my City’ campaign, aiming to show that Coventry is a city that deserves to co-host the London 2012 Olympics.

For example The ‘Mossdale Rangers’ have worked hard to improve their area in Radford. After winning the Coventry Community Cohesion Award in July 2011, the Rangers continue to display positive citizenship.

After school and during the weekends, the group have worked to clear leaves during autumn months, whilst picking up rubbish and clearing the gardens of elderly residents.

During the spring this year, the “Friends of Canley Green Spaces” continued their year-round efforts by planting an expansive wildflower meadow. At the same time, the team put together numerous bridge planters at Prior Deram Walk with donated plants from Glendale Services.

The group, made up of members of the local community meet on a regular basis to help in the upkeep of recreation areas in Canley making sure the local community can continue to enjoy their green areas.

During the spring, young people were able to experience a wealth of outdoor fun as “Coombe Club” returned for the third holiday play scheme. The club, which is open to all children aged 8 to 14, has become very popular since it started; a large number of young people have already attended the club, which is held at Coombe Country Park, and have enjoyed taking part in activities such as learning outdoor survival skills and learning about wildlife at the park. Cllr Phil Townshend, cabinet member for Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Not only does it give young people the opportunity to learn new skills it also gets them out in the fresh air and being active which we all know is extremely important at any age.”

Coventry’s walled garden, based in Allesley Park, threw open its gates during the summer to hold monthly markets within its restored 18th century kitchen grounds. Selling jams and preserves, cakes and greetings cards visitors were also able to collect free runner bean seeds and talk to the gardeners as they worked; guided tours of the garden were also available upon request.

Residents of Starley Road have continued with their city centre, urban community gardening projects throughout the year. Offering local residents the opportunity to learn about, experience and share top tips and tools to improve the overall look of the surrounding neighbourhood, the team works hard to organise numerous events and activities.

Residents have received information from The Landscape Group to help care for their street hanging baskets.

C Community Participation | 31

More than 50 youngsters have taken part in a three-week project which has seen them improve areas in Cheylesmore, Foleshill and Bell Green by doing tasks such as painting fences and planting shrubs.

Whitefriars Housing has teamed up with ‘The Challenge’, which is a civic service project aimed at helping 15-16 year olds learn key skills such as team work, to create projects for pupils from across Coventry and Warwickshire to take part in.

Supported by the Coventry Telegraph, spring saw experts at local Hilltop Garden Centre encouraging Coventry residents to get creative and avoid wasting space in their gardens by attempting to pack in a huge variety of flowers, fruit and vegetables to mimic the style of a traditional English country garden - perfect for today’s smaller, urban spaces. Informal in design and densely packed spaces using native wildflowers are hoped to create

32 | C Community Participation

lush and vibrant gardens whilst in turn encourage local wildlife to thrive in the city such as bees, hoverflies and ladybirds.

including 5,000 children who take part in workshops, learning fascinating facts about nature, gardening and the conservation of local wildlife.

During the spring, nature lovers learnt more about woodland and wildlife at Brandon Nature Reserve.

Hundreds of visitors attended the event for a day of making woodland art, discovering nature trails, identifying trees and den making. This event was the first in a series of weekend get-togethers planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wildlife Trust’s formation in 1912. The Trust also revealed plans for a new sensory garden within the reserve which will be especially tailored to children and visitors with disabilities. The garden includes a shelter belt for small mammals and nesting birds, a mini forest with sculptures and a series of art installations. The reserve welcomes 50,000 visitors a year

As with many councils, Coventry has experienced problems with the fly tipping of bulky household items during the past few years, the majority occurring on local footpaths within deprived areas of the city.

These areas are usually those which contain terraced housing with alleyway access; Coventry City Council noticed that in the majority of cases, the alleyways were filled with waste and bins were left out on the street. Residents were contacted by using existing community groups and community leaders; a door to door survey was used to identify the barriers which local residents faced in removing their bins from the streets.

before..

after..

A “Care 4 Your Area” project education pack was also used to deliver education and enforcement information whilst the Council worked with residents to clear alleyways of waste supporting those who were physically unable to move their bins off the street.

The programme has been highly successful; fly tipping has reduced by 80%, the alleyways have remained free of fly tipping, the Local Environment Quality has significantly improved from a C- rating to a B+. As a result residents are pleased to live on cleaner streets whilst communities now proactively engage with the Council, informing them of other issues which may occur such as any anti-social behaviour.

celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Friends group received a free 105 tree pack. Over 1,000 registrations were received for community packs this autumn and as a result, more than 200,000 free trees will be planted. Event organiser Gary Haigh said, “Tree planting is a fantastic and fun way for us to do something lasting in our local area. We hope our trees will help attract wildlife and make a real difference to everyone who will see them.”

With the help and co-operation of “The Woodland Trust” and Coventry City Councils “Streetscene and Greenspace” team, Friends of Caludon Castle Park recently planted free tree whips (young trees) from the Woodland Trust to

C Community Participation | 33

Garden Organic, the UK’s leading organic growing charity has worked tirelessly this year to engage over 1,000 Master Gardeners and Master Composters to ‘Garden for the Games’ by signing up as ‘Local Leaders’. Many of these local champions mentor a street, whilst others transform landscapes in schools, shared gardens and housing estates. The group have been particularly excited to encourage communities to share their tasty, home-grown veg with one another, some of which is grown in snug windowsills and others in gardens or allotments.

Alongside this tempting veg, there have also been bright flowers and designs planned for London 2012 including Team GB and Olympic Ring themed displays.

During the year, a community garden project to help people grow

34 | C Community Participation

their own fruit and vegetables has dug to victory, winning two local awards! The ‘Growing Paradise’ initiative claimed the top spot in the Community Cohesion Awards 2011, run by the Equalities and Community Cohesion Theme Group of the Coventry Partnership together with Coventry Ethnic Minorities Action Partnership, and also gained a special commendation compact award from Voluntary Action Coventry, beating off 30 other applicants! The project, funded by retailer Marks and Spencer, was launched in July 2010,

by Groundwork West Midlands and has been part-funded and supported

by Whitefriars Housing, Midland Heart, Orbit Heart of England and St Barnabas Church. The community has worked to come together, meeting new people whilst growing their own vegetables, at the same time learning new recipes from the array of people originating from different cultures who live locally.

In the autumn of 2011, students and families rolled up their sleeves to plant trees in support of a campaign to tidy up Coventry. Around 30 volunteers grabbed their shovels and got stuck in for the tree-planting mission in Park Wood, to help brighten up the area. The team included Warwick University students, nearby residents and members of the Friends of Canley Green Spaces. Coming together as part of Coventry City Council’s, ‘Proud of my City’ campaign, The Coventry Telegraph-backed initiative aims to help foster civic pride and celebrate all which is good about the city.

November saw staff at a Coventry pharmacy swapping their white coats for a pair of wellies as they volunteered to be park rangers for the day, tidying up Limbrick Wood and Styvechale Common areas of the city.

Chosen as part of a team building day, the team removed laurel trees, cleared footpaths and picked up litter.

The work done has consequently

enhanced the area for local residents, retaining visitor numbers to enjoy the wonderful parks and outdoor spaces.

During the autumn, staff from Barclay’s Bank here in Coventry pulled together to complete an impressive vegetable garden within the grounds of Park Hill Primary School. The group of 40 cleared land, put up fences and constructed raised beds, giving the school a huge boost to encourage pupils to grow their own delicious fruit and vegetables. Similarly, October saw volunteers from Jaguar Land Rover taking part in the challenge to create a garden for pupils at Woodlands Academy in Coventry. The team of 16 workers created rosebud planters and greenhouses as part of JLR’s ‘Business in the Community’ project.

Established in 2010, the ‘Friends of Canley Green Spaces’ continue to improve the natural environment which surrounds their local area.

Financially independent and guided by a committed management team,

the group work with a multitude of organisations including Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Coventry City Council, Whitefriars Housing, Warwick Business School and Warwick Volunteers.

During the summer of 2011, the group removed Himalayan Balsam from the brook which runs through Canley, improving the biodiversity of the area, enabling slow growing native plants to flourish. During the autumn, bulbs were planted within various sites which saw a mass of vibrant colour emerge during the spring. A brand new, expansive wild flower meadow has been planted within the neighbourhood with the intention to encourage local wildlife and visitors to appreciate this otherwise unused space. Litter picks continue year-round with volunteers working to cleanse their surrounding environment of discarded litter and debris. With intentions for the future to improve bare roundabouts dotted along busy commuter routes, enhance the access to local woodland

in addition to the development of a walking route with improved signage which will link Canley’s green spaces, the group are clearly motivated to the initiative and endeavour to work with one another to make their area a better place.

During early May, council staff worked alongside local residents to organise weekly woodland walks, designed to show off the outstanding beauty of the nearby bluebells in full bloom. Leaving from a local leisure centre in Canley, the group would walk at no cost to themselves, taking in their breathtaking natural surroundings whilst in the company of others. Forming part of an on-going Healthy Walks initiative, residents are both able to observe and enjoy their environment whilst at the same time improving their health and wellbeing.

C Community Participation | 35

Coventry has seen another 12 months of excellent effort and collaboration from residents, the City Council, city centre BID, The Landscape Group, Whitefriars Housing and many more; all of whom have worked tirelessly to provide a year-round service, enhancing and developing neighbourhoods and city centre locations to shape a more welcoming, environmentally friendly and brighter place to live, work and visit.

Demonstrating on-going activity city wide, the year has been filled with highpoints including the ever successful ‘Plant Giveaway’, organised by the Landscape Group and Coventry Council which saw thousands of plants handed over to the public for free during the spring. Continued support from local neighbourhood groups has similarly seen residents working alongside the City Council to develop and enhance local green spaces whilst businesses and nearby garden centres have sustained their efforts to support and tutor enthusiastic, green fingered residents.

Alongside an extremely positive response from the public, Coventry continues to delight in its Olympic co-host city status which, building on

36 | C Community Participation

the achievement of previous years, has seen a multitude of successful regeneration projects completed.

With on-going support and interest from local residents alongside an exciting Olympic legacy moving us forward into 2013, Coventry in Bloom has enjoyed another extremely productive year.

27/09/2011 ‘Friends of Canley Green Spaces’ worked to complete a natural play area within Park Wood.

13/10/2011 Volunteers from Jaguar Land Rover took part in a challenge to create a garden for pupils at Woodlands Academy in Coventry.

08/11/2011 Staff from Coventry’s Barclay’s Bank spent the day at Park Hill Primary School turning parts of the grounds into a vegetable patch; putting up fences and building raised beds.

09/11/2011 Waste not, want not Green fingered Coventry residents get their hands on free compost at War Memorial Park.

14/11/2011 Foleshill’s ‘Growing Paradise Gardening Project’ wins prestigious Chartered Institute of Housing West Midlands Region Good Practice Award.

17/10/2012 The Lake View Park Group and Park Rangers from Coventry City Council continue work to remove rubbish from the park whilst opening up pathways to make the area safer for visitors.

22/11/2011 30 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and planted 25 fruit trees in attempt to clean up the city ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

09/12/2011 50 Coventry youngsters take part in a three-week project to improve areas of the city by completing tasks such as painting fences and planting shrubs; in turn building their skills and boosting their CV ready for university.

09/12/2011 Community garden project, the ‘Growing Paradise Initiative’ aimed at helping residents of Foleshill to grow their own fruit and vegetables claims the top spot at the Community Cohesion Awards, also gaining a special commendation compact award from Voluntary Action Coventry.

25/01/2012 Local ‘Mossdale Rangers’ help make Coventry a place to be proud of by clearing litter in local areas and tidying gardens, transforming pockets of the city.

21/02/2012 Coventry University’s environment team were on hand to show Coventry residents how their allotments and gardens can be used to grow cheap and healthy food.

28/02/2012 The first tree in newly developed Broadgate is planted as work continues to improve this area of the city. A total of six will be planted as work continues and 11 more in nearby Trinity Street.

29/02/2012 Local nursery staff hold a sale of spring plants for council staff, selling cyclamens, primroses and bulbs.

01/03/2012 Ryton Gardens host a taster course in horticulture for those who wish to learn more and/or work towards a Royal Horticultural Society qualification.

12/03/2012 Work begins to improve Coventry’s Hertford Street to improve the overall look and feel of the street for shoppers, traders and visitors.

12/03/2012 A brand new gum campaign is launched in Coventry city centre encouraging the public to think twice about discarding their chewing gum.

20/03/2012 ‘Friends of Caludon Castle Park’ worked with the Woodland Trust and Coventry City Council to plant 105 new trees in celebration of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

24/03/2012 Garden Organic is engaging 1,000 of their volunteer Master Gardeners and Master Composters to “Garden for the Games” by signing up as ‘Local Leaders’ whilst encouraging other residents to sign up too.

05/04/2012 Coventry is named the top UK city for reducing its carbon footprint.

10/04/2012 Coventry is encouraged to ‘grow for gold’ ahead of this summer’s Olympics; planting window boxes and garden displays in the colours of their favourite teams.

15/04/2012 The first in a series of events took place at Brandon Nature Reserve to celebrate the formation of the Wildlife Trust 100 years ago.

16/04/2012 Volunteers from the Learning and Skills Improvement Council worked to improve the garden of a local community centre by replacing overgrown areas with raised beds. The team also took time to paint a mural to brighten to the space.

18/04/2012 The ‘Care 4 Your Area’ project, led by Coventry City Council, wins a national award following the success of its campaign to clear Coventry’s street of fly-tipped waste.

19/04/2012 ‘Rubbish Monsters at War Memorial Park’, a two-hour class held for children to educate those in attendance about items we are able to recycle before making a monster from the rubbish to take home.

21/04/2012 The ‘Friends of Canley Green Spaces’, continue their good work to finish planting a wildflower meadow in their local area.

5/05/2012 The 50th anniversary of Coventry Cathedral was celebrated this month throughout a four day event which saw a spectacular display of floral displays commemorating the special occasion.

11/05/2012 Coventry in Bloom’s ‘Plant Giveaway’ took place in Ironmonger Square.

19/05/2012 Bell Green residents were invited to share ideas of how to brighten their local area, using artwork to dress shop vacancies amongst the busy, shopping square.

26/05/2012 ‘Be Nice to Nettles’ at Coombe Country Park; a fascinating hands on session to find out why nettles are more than a troublesome weed.

26/05/2012 ‘Bat Walk’ in Tile Hill Wood; an opportunity to learn more about local, fascinating wildlife.

29/05/2012 ‘Water Vole Awareness Week’ events took place city wide, hosted by the Council and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, educating local residents how to help these endangered creatures.

7/06/2012 ‘Flutterby Butterfly’ event took place at War Memorial Park.

Children came along to learn more about butterflies whilst creating beautiful crafts with an opportunity to explore the park.

7/06/2012 ‘World Environment Day’ at War Memorial Park; a whole day of activities took place to remind children of the importance in caring for our planet.

C Community Participation | 37

An essential part of Coventry’s entry to the Heart of England in Bloom campaign comes from the committed support key businesses and partners. Coventry’s Business Improvement District (BID) continues to work alongside Coventry City Council to support local business owners within the city centre to provide assistance with crime reduction, CCTV monitoring, marketing and street cleansing.

This year has seen four brand new ambassadors appointed, working on behalf of the Coventry BID to ensure that the streets are patrolled seven days a week. The membership fee agreed with local business establishments goes a long way to fund green initiatives throughout the year, enabling The Landscape Group to ensure that the city centre is a more attractive and safe place to live, work and visit.

To increase awareness of the Coventry in Bloom campaign, members of the Destination Marketing and Communications team at Coventry City Council have worked to liaise with local press to see the campaign message carried, to a wider audience.

Both the Coventry Telegraph and

38 | C Community Participation

local BBC radio station have provided support with promoting the annual Plant Giveaway, which is implemented each year during May as part of our Bloom entry. The Coventry in Bloom children’s poster competition has seen support from local press, who have worked to help communicate information with the intention of providing assistance to enhance the garden of a local school. By producing several themed ‘wildflower’ posters, schoolchildren took part in a citywide competition which would see one lucky school receive sponsored prizes, gardening assistance and marketing as part of their winning entry.

Providing willing assistance with the Coventry in Bloom initiative, the Council has provided sustainable vehicles for the team to use whilst out and about viewing sites, taking photographs and of course, for the judging tour. Aiming to reduce the harmful impact of carbon emissions, the fleet of four Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars provide on-going evidence of outstanding pride and care in Coventry as the city strives to ensure maximum sustainability.

We have continued to use A4 bin vinyls, (designed by our competition winner), city centre car park poster sites, our online presence and extensive press coverage, which has worked to inform the community of our on-going efforts.

Baginton Nurseries continue to offer outstanding service and support by providing the city centre with the flowers and plants used in beds, planters and baskets throughout the year. Recognising that certain procedures for the protection of the environment are now a fundamental factor of any long-term business development plan, together with the BID and Coventry City Council, Baginton Nurseries actively seek to reduce any negative impacts on the environment in the production and distribution of plant products.

C Community Participation | 39

12/06/2689