GREEN-FINGERED Craig Duffy received national praise at the Great British Growing Awards 2015, for his hard work at the Bluebell Community Garden in Chelmsley Wood.
The 30-year-old received third place in the Garden Volunteer of the Year category at the Edible Garden Show in London.
Craig, alongside a team of volunteers, has given over 70 hours to transform the garden from bare open space with little habitat into a thriving wildlife garden complete with pond, new hedgerow wildlife meadow and a vegetable patch to feed both themselves and the wider community.
On receiving his award, Craig said: “I am very happy to receive this award; however it has been a team effort.
“Becoming a volunteer has made a big difference to my health as I go outdoors more.
“I enjoy meeting new people and getting out of the house and making a change to the environment.
“The Bluebell Garden is a relaxing place that helps you forget about your worries.”
Craig volunteers with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, which has partnered up with the Council to deliver outdoor activities in various locations across the borough.
The Your Wild Life project covers a range of activities such as habitat restoration, forestry and gardening, and while open to anyone, has been particularly popular with people recovering from mental health, drug and alcohol problems.
