National award for transformation of derelict site in Tuckingmill

A park in West Cornwall is one of only seven nationwide to receive a national community engagement award for its successful transformation from a derelict land site to an award winning open space.

A revolution has taken place at Tuckingmill Valley Park which has now been recognised with a Special Award for Innovation in the Green Flag Awards as one of the finest green spaces in the country.

Social problems were rife on the site but after the removal of over 500 tonnes of fly-tipping the park, on former mining land in the heart of the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area, has become a symbol of regeneration.

On Friday (August 14) Julian German, Cornwall Council cabinet member for Waste and the Environment, raised the Green Flag at the park which has been awarded in recognition of the massive achievement.

Cllr German said: "The area's industrial past left a legacy of contamination and dereliction including landfill tipping, mine shafts, and arsenic waste.

"Through a pioneering approach to the management of land, the site has now become a centre of excellence in conservation."

Tuckingmill Valley Park is one of only seven open spaces in the UK to receive a Special Innovation Award under the Green Flag scheme.

A sustainable building with a turf roof has been constructed in the park and is home to British Trust of Conservation Volunteers (BTCV). From this base, conservation tasks are co-ordinated between the council, the youth offending team and the community.

Jon Mitchell, senior landscape architect at Cornwall Council, said: "This partnership between the public, voluntary sector and local residents has secured the long-term maintenance of the valley ensuring that the community can continue to explore the rich local environment in a safe and attractive setting.

"The philosophy behind the scheme was to make the open space a high quality accessible green space with a wide range of community facilities and a design which captures the very essence of the area without losing the unique character and sense of place."

The design approach was led by the community and a wide ranging consultation using innovative techniques ensured the resulting scheme provides important and much needed facilities including a bespoke skate park.

For further information:

Green Flag Award Scheme website:

http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/

British Trust of Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) website:

http://www2.btcv.org.uk/

News kindly provided by Cornwall Council

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