Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ In Birmingham’s Brookvale Park, a groundbreaking community initiative is sowing the seeds of change—both for the environment and the lives of young people. Through funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Community Environment Fund (CEF), Growth Path, formerly Kingstanding Regeneration Trust, has partnered with The Wildlife Trust, Birmingham Open Spaces Forum, and Team 4 Nature to restore the park’s biodiversity while equipping locals with invaluable skills and experience.
This project has already engaged 20 individuals in work experience, planting 15,000 bulbs, with a goal of 20,000 by March next year. Many participants, arriving with little to no knowledge of ecological or horticultural practices, leave equipped with newfound expertise and confidence, prepared to explore careers in environmental work.
The initiative’s reach extends beyond its workforce. Local nursery children, Girl Guides, and Brownies have actively participated in bulb planting, tree giveaways, and bird-watching walks, fostering a community-wide connection to nature.
One standout participant is 17-year-old Charlotte Marriott from Castle Vale. A young mother with no GCSEs, Charlotte faced challenges finding her footing in the workforce. With the help of her early assistance worker, she discovered Growth Path and thrived during her work experience. Impressed by her dedication, Growth Path offered her a paid traineeship beginning in February, combining hands-on landscaping work with opportunities to earn qualifications in English, math, and environmental studies.
“For someone like me, who left school without qualifications, this has been life-changing,” Charlotte shared. “I’m excited to start my career in landscaping, and I’d encourage anyone interested in gardening or landscaping to join Growth Path—it’s been amazing for me and my family.”
Growth Path CEO Anya Sanchez highlighted the project’s multifaceted success: “It delivers work opportunities, brings the community closer to nature, and enhances biodiversity at Brookvale Park. The creation of the Friends of Brookvale Park group ensures the project’s long-term legacy and potential for further funding.”
The initiative has drawn praise from regional leaders, including Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, who emphasized its dual impact on the environment and personal growth: “Grassroots projects like Growth Path demonstrate how the right support and training can turn passion into a fulfilling career.”
Since its inception, the project has received over £32,000 in combined funding, transforming Brookvale Park into a thriving habitat and a beacon of community resilience. This initiative proves that small, localized efforts can yield transformative outcomes for people and the planet.
