BBC making a difference awards: Witton Park Green Gym

Founded by The Conservative Volunteers, the Witton Country Park Green Gym in Blackburn provides sessions to volunteers in supervised nature conservation activities and allows them to get more physically active and boost their well-being.

Run by BBC Radio Lancashire the awards aim to recognise unsung heroes from across the county and reflect on their amazing achievements and support those providing vital charity work.

Nominated by the community for The Green Award, the Green Gym was chosen from hundreds of entries and was highly commended at a ceremony held at Blackpool Tower.

Councillor Jim Casey, assistant executive member for environment and communities, said: “I’d like to congratulate Green Gym on their success.

"The recognition they received shows how valued they are in the community, not only for the practical difference they make to Witton Park but also for the opportunities they give to its members.

“I hope that the group continue to go from strength to strength.”

The Department of Health and GPs recognise the impact that Green Gyms can offer and even prescribe sessions with the charity to patients to help them improve their own health.

The team at Witton Country Park Green Gym have done a lot of work to improve pathways (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

Formed in 2007 and becoming independent in 2010, the group meet every Thursday from 9.45am to 1.30pm in all weathers and averages between 15 and 25 members.

They have created new pathways, improved current ones, removed non-native trees and plants, maintained wooded areas, established new wooded areas and hedgerows, upgraded fencing, provided new seating through the park, carried out river and stream clearances as well as simple litter picking.

Held on September 26, four representatives from the group attended the awards held at Blackpool Tower.

 Anyone can attend Green Gym by visiting their room next to the Pavilion Café in Witton Park at 9.45am on a Thursday.

For more information, e-mail wittoncpgreengym@btinternet.com

Full list of winners from the Make a Difference awards:

• The Carer Award – Romi Taylor (Blackburn-with-Darwen)
• The Volunteer Award – Kate Bailey (Pendle)
• The Community Award – Whitefield Youth Association (Pendle)
• The Animal Award – Lancaster and Morecambe Cat Rescue (Lancaster)
• The Great Neighbour Award – Charlotte Hartley (Lancaster)
• The Green Award – Guardians of Nature (South Ribble)
• The Fundraiser Award – Karen Sutton Taylor (South Ribble)
•  The Bravery Award – Evie Hobson (Wyre)