A TEAM that has helped transform overgrown spaces into play facilities and parks has been recognised at a national award ceremony.

Bradford Council’s Landscape, Design and Conservation Team received both the Excellence in Public Health and Wellbeing Award and President’s Award for Best Landscape of the Year at the annual Landscape Institute Awards.

The team has collaborated with a number of partners to transform spaces in to attractive and welcoming places for everyone. They have worked with Bradford Institute for Health Research, Better Start Bradford and the lottery funded Better Place Project, JU:MP led by Active Bradford and funded by Sport England, Well Bradford, Bradford Moor PASS and Making Space for Girls. 

The team is involved in a number of European research projects to learn and share best practice on blue (water-related, such as ponds and drainage) and green (such as trees and plants) infrastructure, which have been proven to improve people’s wellbeing and climate resilience.

Saira Ali, Team Leader of the Council’s Landscape Design and Conservation Team, said: “We believe everyone should have access to quality spaces, and our work fosters equity in the district through environmental initiatives.”

Carolin Göhler, President Elect at the Landscape Institute said: “This this year’s President’s Award for Best Landscape Scheme of the Year highlights the ability of Bradford Council’s Landscape & Conservation Team to find creative, integrated solutions to the social and environmental inequalities and challenges the city faces.”