Now

Bromley’s Environment Awards 2012
celebrating sustainability
23rd Annual Awards Ceremony
Bromley Civic Centre, Friday 13 July 2012
Congratulations to all our 2012 winners!
Bromley’s Environment
Awards 2012
Welcome to the presentation booklet for Bromley’s 23rd
Annual Environment Awards. These awards are another
example of what happens when good people come together
and work hard to make things happen.
I’m sure, like me, you will be encouraged and enthused by
all the good environmental initiatives being carried out in
the borough. There are opportunities for everyone to get
involved and make a difference either as part of a group or
as an individual. I do hope you enjoy finding out about this
year’s winning and commended entries.
Cllr Colin Smith, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Environment
email: [email protected]
tel: 020 8313 4989
web: www.bromley.gov.uk/environmentawards
Bromley’s annual Environment Awards ceremony recognises and
rewards local sustainability initiatives that really make a difference to
the quality of life in the borough, not only for us but for generations
to come.
Over 150 guests attended the ceremony and 30 awards were
presented in categories ranging from education to gardens to
business. The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Michael Turner hosted
this prestigious event which was sponsored by Coolings and
the News Shopper. Our special guest speaker was Lucy Siegle,
environmental journalist and regular reporter on the BBC’s One
Show.
As well as presenting this year’s
awards to our winners, Lucy gave an
inspiring talk about her involvement
with environmental issues and how
important it is for us to make a
difference in our local community. She
said, “Whenever you get involved in a
project it will teach you something and
this will quickly become a practical
learning experience. As we share
these experiences we will gain both in understanding and practically
too. Together we can, and do, make a difference.”
Award winners received a framed certificate and either a sponsored
trophy or an award of reclaimed oak which was made by local firm
T.J. Recycled Materials in partnership with Riverwood, a Greenwich
Mencap project.
A panel of independent judges
evaluated the short-listed entries
and we are very grateful to them for
their time and effort in particular Paul
Cooling, Janet Berlin and John Dalziel
for judging the garden categories.
Email [email protected] tel 020 8313 4989
web www.bromley.gov.uk/environmentawards
After the formal presentations guests enjoyed a
buffet and drinks kindly provided by Coolings, during
which everyone had the opportunity to meet other
winners and to look at the displays. Guests were
entertained throughout the evening by music from
The Solaris Quartet.
This year’s Overall Winner’s award was presented to
Phil Baxter whose environmental lifestyle, fantastic
garden and fund-raising efforts really impressed the
judges.
At the end of the ceremony Councillor Colin Smith,
Executive Councillor for Environment gave the vote
of thanks and presented Langley Park School for
Boys with a special community award for their
Snow Friends group.
Bromley’s Environment Awards 2012
Winning & commended entries
Front Garden Award, sponsored by
Coolings Nurseries Ltd.
Winner, Hannah Barnes and Les Roberts
This small garden is
packed to overflowing
with a variety of
colourful cottage style
plants and a gravel
path winding up to
the front door. It looks
good from all angles; the planting is informal with a
wide range of flowers and shrubs that give interest
throughout the year as well as diversity of shape,
form and colour. The judges said, “This charming,
low maintenance garden really shows just what can
be done in a small space to give a big impact.”
Commended, Sidney Carter
This small but
charming front garden
in St Paul’s Cray
makes use of some
really interesting
features including
an old wooden
barrow, driftwood, various pots and a flint tower to
add height. This oasis brings life to suburbia using
delightful and natural combinations of planting and
natural and man-made structures. The judges said,
“Great imagination and flair has been shown in
creating this lovely front garden.”
Back Garden Award, sponsored by
Freda Davis
Joint Winner, Fleur Wood
The garden has colourzoned areas with cool
white and hot red. It
is full of bold planting
and excellent attention
to composition with
the eye being drawn
to different levels and textures. Companion planting
is used to assist insect pollination and the pergola
is smothered in kiwi. In the courtyard the beautiful
fountain and stunning tree-house are undeniably
outstanding features bringing serenity to a busy
world. With compost bins and water butts the
garden is maintained as sustainably as possible – the
chickens adding life to the garden in more ways than
one! The judges said “A spectacular garden of many
wonders!”
Joint Winner, Sidney Carter
This very unusual,
oriental-themed back
garden provides the
visitor with a visual
feast upon entering.
Trees have been
trained around wires to
make different shapes and to form canopies across
the path. A pond full of Koi carp, a 90 foot running
water feature and many artefacts and curiosities
keep your interest as you walk through the garden.
At the far end there is a chicken coop and wildlife
pond. The owner has used many reclaimed materials
in the hard landscaping. The maintenance of the
garden is exemplary and, although the majority of the
planting is of green foliage, there is such a diversity
of form and shape that this does not detract from the
enjoyment this garden must surely give to the owner
and his visitors. The judges said, “What a surprise
awaited us on entering this exciting and unusual
garden that displays some extraordinary features and
is obviously a labour of love.”
Commended, Hannah Barnes and Les Roberts
This back garden is
a stunning example
of how to make the
best use of space.
Pretty Delphiniums
dominate but clever
planting means the
diverse varieties of
flowers and ferns
all have their own
place in the garden
– even strawberries
are grown on a nearby roof! Art is also a factor with
murals and mobiles created by the owners adding
their own special interest and a water butt has been
squeezed in to help keep the garden looking its best
at all times. The judges simply said, “Fantastic!”
Community Garden Award
Winner, Bencurtis Park
Bencurtis Park Estate
in West Wickham
forms part of Glebe
Housing Association
providing sheltered
accommodation
and nursing care for
250 residents. The site covers 14 acres with many
communal areas looked after by residents including a
bright and colourful rose garden. Many front gardens
add a splash of bedding-plant colour to the tidy and
well maintained roadways. There is also an allotment
area with greenhouses and a small orchard. A large
pond is currently undergoing improvements to
encourage more wildlife to the site. The judges said,
“A wonderful site which is cared for most lovingly by
its residents creating a horticultural delight in a most
tranquil setting. We could have easily spent the day
here!”
Commended, St Cecilia’s Leonard Cheshire
Disability Home
This community
garden uses raised
beds with a variety
of species, plenty of
colour and varying
heights, giving a sense
of calm for all who use
the garden. The beautiful pond promotes peace and
tranquillity for residents and wildlife use this refuge in
abundance. The Japanese garden uses choice trees
to add an interesting dimension to the overall effect.
Residents also enjoy growing their own food using
the raised beds – an ideal way of spending time with
their neighbours! The judges said “As a community
garden the overall effect is delightful.”
All Seasons Garden Award
Winner, Raymond Young
In this garden
bamboos and
evergreens of varying
heights add interest
to the structure of the
garden. Honeysuckle
grows around the
maypole and pots
on the patio contain
a profusion of
colourful planting. The
beautifully maintained
ivy archway gives
a real sense of
discovery and anticipation. A bug hotel encourages
wildlife which help with pollination and a water butt
helps the environment by saving water for use in the
garden. Seeds are collected each year which helps
the garden to be more sustainable, together with
using the greenhouse raised beds for raising plants.
Vegetables are grown being a welcome addition
to the family menu. The senses are delighted
throughout the year in this extremely well presented
garden. The judges said “This is truly a Garden For All
Seasons!”
Garden Container Award
Winner, Fleur Wood
You are met at the
front door by an
array of beautifully
co-ordinated and
intensely colourful
containers and
hanging baskets – a
real welcome. In the
back garden, you are
transported to some
far-away tropical
paradise by a medley
of potted plants leaving your imagination to decide
which destination to visit. In contrast, the whitezoned containers use foliage as well as flowers to
lead us back to our more temperate climate. The
containers and hanging baskets in this garden are
a visual feast providing a profusion of flowers for
the longest growing season. The judges said “Most
impressive!”
Commended, Phil Baxter
This garden hosts the
largest collection in
the world of Rhipsalis
Cactus imaginatively
displayed in containers
and hanging baskets.
The unusually
designed rustic
wood hot-house is
filled with tender
plants in the raised
containers and the
outdoor raised beds
a colourful display of
perennial planting – all
benefitting from the
turkey manure from the owner’s turkey business.
Containers have also been used to their full potential
with food being grown in the garden, helping the
family to be sustainable throughout the year. Seeds
and cuttings are collected from the garden and
cultivated by the owner to maintain the level of
container planting and hanging baskets that are found
throughout the garden and which are sold to raise
money for charity when the garden is open to the
public. The judges said “This truly was a feast for the
eyes.”
Green Business Award
Winner, give2give
With over 15,000
items of furniture
collected from across
the borough, the
landfill diversion
achieved by give2give
has been immense. Of
these items, 13,000
were sold for re-use
at their furniture store
in Petts Wood; some
items are donated
to furniture projects
or charities, with
other items being
repaired, refurbished or recycled through a new
enterprise ‘Furniture Renew’. Volunteers are an
important part of this company’s resources and it has
committed to the London Volunteer Management
Charter by offering work experience to thirty seven
volunteers. As well as furniture reuse and recycling,
there are two charity shops in the borough where
other unwanted items are sold. This not-for-profit
organisation also helps many local groups and
individuals by providing small grants, a caravan
holiday scheme, and a community mini-bus. Their
office practices have been improved to further
reduce their carbon footprint and the Chief Executive
is working closely with other organisations to identify
potential re-cycling and reuse facilities, as well as a
community gardening scheme. The judges said, “It
could be very easy for this organisation to sit on its
laurels but they have shown initiative, creativity and
enthusiasm for taking reuse, recycling and their social
responsibilities to another level.”
Commended, Chris Carey’s Collections
This company
started from humble
beginnings in the
Rag & Bone trade
and has been in
the textile recycling
business for many
years. They divert 500t of textile waste from landfill
every month. The majority of the waste is recycled
or reprocessed but some is reused through the
company’s Vintage Clothes Store, some makes it to
the stage, big screen or fashion catwalk and some is
sent to developing countries. Work is offered to the
local unemployed through agencies such as Mind
Matters and the Probation Service. Staff give talks
on recycling, run a school clothes bank scheme and
provide resources for students studying fashion and
textiles. Materials such as plastic bags and cardboard
are recycled and the company also runs a local book
stall. Their vehicle fleet has all the latest technology
making it very fuel efficient. The judges said, “The
nature of this company’s business is environmental
but they go the extra mile to make sure it is run in a
truly sustainable manner.”
Green Building Award
Winner, The Purelake Group for Purelake
House
This is a new building
located in the north
side of Plaistow Lane.
It comprises a mix of
office and residential
buildings and although
in close proximity to
existing properties
it has been well
received and is now
a local landmark. The
developers, who now
have their Head Office
within this building, considered all elements of the
construction process and tried to include as many
environmentally-friendly options as possible. Some
of these features include an integrated PV roofing
membrane, low-energy lighting, air-to-air heat pumps,
‘A’ rated gas-fired boilers and a heat recovery system.
There are also rainwater butts and built-in recycling
facilities. All timber was FSC-certified and bricks,
blocks and flooring were all sourced from companies
complying with the Environmental Management
Standard (ISO 14001). The judges said, “This building
not only looks great but also delivers a vast array of
innovative environmental features that show that
good design and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.”
Commended, John Laing Integrated Services for
Bromley Police Station
Commended in
this category is the
company responsible
for the facilities
management at
Bromley Police
Station, a public
building based at
Bromley South. This
is a fairly modern
building but none-theless improvements
have been made to
improve its energy
efficiency. Voltage
optimisation,
occupancy sensors for lighting, new LED lighting
and a PV solar array have meant that annual
carbon savings of 300t has been made along with
significant cost savings. The judges said, “We must
commend the management company for their efforts
in enhancing and improving the environmental
credentials of this high profile public building located
at the heart of our community.”
Green Champion Award
Winner, Phil Baxter
Our Green Champion
really does live the
‘good life’. He and
his family are selfsufficient pretty
much throughout
the year. Vegetables
and fruit are grown in
succession, so that
very little is purchased
from the supermarket.
Chickens provide eggs
and a newly planted
orchard will provide
apple juice and cider in the near future. Even exotic
fruits such as bananas and oranges are grown in
greenhouses in the extensive garden. Surplus food
is given to friends, family and neighbours. As a result
of being self-sufficient, very little waste is produced,
water is saved in three large tanks and a huge
compost heap and home-made fertiliser enriches
the soil for the whole garden - which is managed
organically. The cottage garden, pond, log pile and
nest boxes provide habitats for a wide variety of
wildlife. But it isn’t just his family that benefits from
his efforts, every summer the garden is opened as
part of the National Gardens Scheme and to date
over £70,000 has been raised for charity. The judges
said, “A fantastic effort on one man’s part ensures
that this family lives a very sustainable lifestyle
whilst others benefit from the funds raised from his
garden.”
Commended, Pam Pointer
This remarkable
lady has collected all
sorts of materials for
reuse and recycling
for over 40 years.
An interest in raising
funds for charity by
using discarded items
has blossomed over
the years into a fully
fledged recycling
emporium. Her front
porch is open house
for local people to
donate items. She
collects anything from
silver foil to sheet music, jewellery to jigsaw puzzles
and usually finds a home for them. She can often be
seen selling her wares at fetes and fairs and all the
money raised is donated to charity. The judges said,
“A truly remarkable example of the ‘make do and
mend’ ethos that so many people have forgotten and
a reminder to us all that just throwing things away is
simply not sustainable.”
Traditional Business Award
Group Award
Winner, GYI Hair and Holistic Therapies
Winner, The Friends of Darrick and Newstead
Woods
Based in Petts Wood,
the owner of this hair
salon has invested
time and money to
ensure day-to-day
work is carried out
as environmentally
as possible. Working
with consultants
(BST Environmental)
they replaced high
consumption heating
and lighting and
installed a new ‘smart
meter’ that allows them to actively monitor electricity
use. Staff awareness training has also played a major
part helping them to understand and implement
simple energy saving ideas. As a result, the salon has
reduced its energy consumption by a staggering 30%
and has seen similar cost savings. The judges said,
“This just goes to show that impressive energy and
cost-savings can be made even in a small business
like a hair salon and small businesses across our
borough could learn from this excellent example.”
Formed in 2008,
this active and lively
group was established
to help with the
management and
maintenance of one
of the borough’s
local nature reserves,
Darrick and Newstead Woods. The area is made up
of 24 hectares of woodland and meadow forming
part of the watershed between the Ravensbourne
and River Cray. They meet every Thursday to carry
out activities such as scrub clearance, litter picking,
and footpath maintenance. They have also carried
out extensive species surveys and produced a
nature trail leaflet. They work with the local schools,
residents and housing associations to promote
safe and appropriate use of the woods, produce
a regular newsletter and hold promotional events
in local shops and community centres. As well as
their weekly work-days they have organised history
and heath walks, fund-raising events and they have
carried out a user survey to inform their activities.
The judges said, “The enthusiasm for their task really
came across in this group’s entry and the number
and variety of activities they undertake to enhance
their local area is impressive.”
Commended, Penge Green Gym
This group of people
got together after
a partnership was
formed between
The Conservation
Volunteers and The
Glades Shopping
Centre to transform a neglected park into a vibrant
community space with high biodiversity value. Many
volunteers were referred by local PCTs benefitting
from the therapeutic aspects of working and
socialising in the outdoors. During weekly work
sessions they have planted traditional fruit trees and
hedgerows, built a greenhouse and vegetable garden
and developed a wildlife area. Recycled materials
have been used where possible and compost bins
and water butts installed. The effect of this group’s
hard work is that the local community is now able
to use and enjoy the park and appreciate its value
to the environment. The judges said, “We loved the
partnership aspect of this project bringing diverse
organisations together to benefit local people and the
environment.”
Commended, GirlGuiding at Cudham Shaws
Campsite
This group operates at
The Shaws Campsite,
Cudham, land originally
bequeathed to The Girl
Guiding Association
in 1938 with the aim
of providing access
to the great outdoors
for inner city girls.
The site comprises
92 acres of woodland
and fields that would
have been walked
by Darwin when he
lived in Downe. Today
it is managed by a volunteer committee who have
made great improvements to the site not only for the
people who use it but for wildlife and biodiversity too.
Recent funding allowed them to plant an orchard and
make access easier for less able visitors. A grant was
also used to produce a nature trail leaflet and activity
booklets linked to their ‘four seasons’ challenge
badge which encourages visitors to return throughout
the year to see how the environment changes.
The group has installed energy-saving devices
and recycling facilities and is keen to investigate
renewable energy solutions for the residential huts.
The judges said, “We loved this group’s initiative and
creativity in opening up the borough’s countryside to
the benefit of those living in towns and cities.”
Commended, Bromley Countryside Volunteer
Service
This group of
volunteers has
been together for
many years and
has an exceptional
knowledge and
expertise in all things
‘countryside’. They
undertake practical
activities conserving
and enhancing the
wildlife, landscape
and historical value of
Bromley’s countryside.
One example is
the restoration of
a chalk grassland meadow which they mow and
rake by hand to encourage the re-establishment of
indigenous species. They have helped a local school
rebuild their pond, carried out hedge-laying, coppicing
and tree-felling, repaired fencing and erected bird
and bat boxes. The judges said, “The longevity of
this group, its knowledge, expertise and its extensive
work plans make this group a worthy award
recipient.”
Household Award
Winner, The Randall Family
This family is
enthusiastic about
reducing their
environmental impact
as much as possible.
Almost everything
they use is reused
or recycled. They
have installed energy and water-saving devices, use
chemical-free and organic products and grow their
own food in the back garden where they also attract
birds with feeders and nest boxes. When baby
Christopher was born, they were keen to use real
nappies and have since gone on to promote them to
family and friends. His pram is vintage as are many
of his toys and his bedroom has been remodelled by
Dad using unwanted furniture. The family SMART car
is used only when absolutely necessary as all local
journeys are done on foot or by public transport. The
judges said, “This is a family living by the “less is
more” rule and the environment must surely benefit
as a result”.
Preschool Award
Winner, Bizzy Bees Preschool (Wickham Park)
This preschool
embraces everything
environmental. By
using cardboard boxes
to make displays and
plastic containers to
make name badges
they are teaching
the children that anything is possible with a bit of
imagination and creativity. Parents are encouraged
to recycle by providing items for role play as well as
getting involved with recycling schemes that raise
money. The children are encouraged to learn about
the environment through their outdoor play, tending
their garden and visiting the local allotments and
High Elms. They also look at the wider environment
through global issues such as saving water and
energy. The judges said, “We were impressed with
the wide-ranging initiatives being carried out at
this pre-school and the enthusiasm of the staff for
instilling respect for the environment in the children.”
Commended, Blenheim Children’s Centre Day
Nursery
Children and staff at
this preschool love
the outdoors and
learning about the
environment. This
year, they embarked
on a project to learn
all about food and
where it comes from. The children were involved
in planning a garden and built seven raised beds
each with a different theme such as the vegetable
plot, the orchard and the wildlife garden. They have
thoroughly enjoyed planting a variety of seeds and
tasting the results. The garden is also used for other
outdoor activities such as a dinosaur hunt and a walk
through the jungle! The judges said, “This preschool,
a previous award winner, continues to build on its
environmental credentials and the past year has been
no exception”
Primary School Award
Winner, Tubbenden Primary School
Since receiving a
commendation last
year, this school has
continued to expand
its environmental
activities and has
introduced several
new initiatives. It is
now the proud owner
of four hens with staff,
parents and pupils
sharing responsibility
for looking after them.
The wildlife garden continues to thrive not only for
wildlife but recently a local Tai Chi club could be seen
exercising in its tranquil surroundings! The raised
beds are now fully planted, a new insect hotel has
been built, a Jubilee Wood created and new trees in
the orchard are thriving. Recycling is still high on the
agenda with ink cartridges, mobiles, pens and textiles
all raising money for the school. Kitchen waste
is collected separately for composting and paper,
glass, plastics and cans are all recycled. Pupils have
organised ‘switch-off’ events to monitor the effect
this has on their electricity consumption. The school
is now part of the ‘Swift Weavers’ partnership which
connects it to schools in Nigeria and Zimbabwe
offering each school the opportunity to learn about
growing food in other countries through a dedicated
website. The judges said, “A truly sustainable school
encompassing all the vital ingredients to inspire our
citizens of the future.”
Commended, Castlecombe Primary School
This commended
primary school has,
for many years,
encouraged its
pupils to develop
their understanding
of gardening
but their recent
allotment project has
encouraged many
more children to take
part in growing and
cooking vegetables.
Not only is the
allotment used for
traditional outdoor
lessons but many other subjects are now taught
there including maths and art. The local community
has been involved in designing, building and caring
for the allotment and now that so many people are
helping out, the future of the school’s gardening
heritage looks secure. The judges said, “We thought
the community effort involved in this project was
exemplary and, as a result, this school is now the
proud owner of a fantastic environmental and
educational resource.”
Secondary School Award
Winner, Ravens Wood School
A significant number
of environmental
initiatives are in
evidence at this
school. The Year
10 Environment
Award students have
been responsible
for creating an orchard, reinvigorating an old
allotment and developing a new kitchen garden with
composting and water saving facilities. They have
also improved a derelict pond and wildlife garden
- hoping to attract more wildlife to the site. They
are also investigating the possibility of having bee
hives on the school roof and (with their Design and
Technology Department) a ‘state of the art’ insect
house has been built. The school buildings have been
improved to reduce energy usage; a new biomass
boiler fitted as well as solar panels. Staff and the
student council have been evaluating their waste
strategy to look at ways to reduce waste, increase
recycling and raise awareness of these issues
throughout the school community. The judges said,
“An impressive number of well thought-out initiatives
and collaboration between different groups of staff
and students makes this school hard to beat in terms
of its environmental good practice.”
Commended, Beaverwood School for Girls
This year the judges
were presented
with something a
little different from
our commended
secondary school
– A ‘Dragon’s Den’
type presentation on
Building a Sustainable School for the Future. Year
10 Geography students were asked to look at all
aspects of school life – from the building and school
grounds to the type of uniform worn. The students
studied urban planning and design, considered the
environmental impacts of their building and drew up
a budget for their final scheme. They then produced
a video to present their findings to the rest of the
group who voted on an eventual winning design.
The judges said, “A creative and innovative way to
teach students about environmental issues, which
also helped their team-building, leadership and
presentation skills. A thoroughly enjoyable project!”
What did our guests say?
“Congratulations to London Borough of Bromley
on their splendid environment awards.”
“The students really enjoyed the evening and were
very proud to deliver the award to our Head teacher.”
Lucy Siegle, guest speaker
Anna Siddell, Langley Park School for Boys
“Thank you for a wonderful evening on Friday.
The children and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
“Thanks for Friday evening we really enjoyed the
experience and it has given us a challenge to do
even more for the environment.”
Emily Keane, Tubbenden Primary School
“Thank you for a most enjoyable and interesting
evening as well as to your team for all your hard work
in putting everything together on the night.”
Roger Ward, Castlecombe Primary School
“Thank you for the great ceremony.”
Tim Pickthall, TJ Recycled Materials
Nicholas Reynolds, John Laing Integrated
Services
“The award means such a lot to the school and
we’re really proud of it.”
“It was a lovely evening, and I thought that Lucy Siegle
did a brilliant job!”
Briony Williamson, Ravens Wood School
Helen Sullivan, Blenheim Children’s Centre Day
Nursery
“Many thanks to you and everyone else involved in
Friday night’s Environmental Awards – a very enjoyable
evening and a pleasure to meet so many other
dedicated environmentalists.”
“We are very proud of our achievement and have been
showing off the award to all our parents!”
John Breach, BST Environmental Consultancy
“Thanks so much, the award is really appreciated by
myself and the team at give2give. We did enjoy the
event too – it was very smooth and well organised.”
Gail Devries, Chief Executive, give2give
Kanak Patel, Bizzy Bees Preschool (Wickham Park)
celebrating sustainability
For more information about
Bromley’s Environment Awards
please contact
The Green Team
Email [email protected]
Tel 020 8313 4989
Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH
CDS 87737 / 10 / 2012
www.bromley.gov.uk/environmentawards