A THRIVING green space in Winsford which was once ‘nothing more than a pile of rubble’ has been awarded top status in this year's RHS Britain in Bloom competition – for the second year in a row.
Weaver Parkway lies on the east bank of the River Weaver, just north of Winsford town centre.
With more than 4kms of accessible paths, it is a true haven for both people and wildlife.
The 200-strong Friends of Weaver Parkway group was set up in 2010 to help maintain the park through both fundraising, conservation, and improvement works.
A core group of around 15 dedicated volunteers form working parties on Wednesdays, 10am to 3pm, where they deliver all kinds of conservation, education, and access projects.
On Tuesday, October 27, their hard work was rewarded when the Friends achieved ‘Outstanding' status in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom Awards 2026.
The ceremony took place at Bolton Wanderer’s Tough Sheet Stadium.
What’s more, it was the only group in the Northwest to be awarded a special Gardening for Wildlife Award, reflecting members' knowledge and dedication to making the Parkway as biodiverse as it possibly can be.
“The second award was a total shock,” said Friends chairman, Jim Greenwood.
“A lot of the Parkway was an old industrial site and used to be nothing more than a pile of rubble.
“An awful lot of work goes into making in look quite so natural.
“We are very conscious of doing everything we can to encourage insect life.
“That’s really the basis of everything when it comes to biodiversity.
“We have planted things like yellow rattle and lots of other wildflowers with an eye to supporting pollinators.
“We also make piles of grass cuttings, topped with metal sheeting, to provide warm places for grass snakes, which really thrive down here.”
Jim says the Friends are always looking for more volunteers, both for outdoor work, but also indoor work, like administration.
He added: “Whatever your background, skills, and abilities, we can find something for you to do.”
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