The Greenhouse Project at Witton Country Park in Blackburn have been recognised nationally for its work in using nature as a prescription for mental and physical health issues.
The Dame Mary Smieton award is given to a Wildlife Trust that has contributed significantly to an outstanding EDI project which has made an invaluable contribution to the strategic work of The Wildlife Trusts and its mission.
A family walk during Ramadan before prayer and food at The Greenhouse Project - Andy Mather
The Greenhouse Project has engaged over a thousand local people and a wide network of partners since being renovated in 2021 and is recognised locally as being exceptional for the diversity of people engaged. Lots of regular proactive outreach takes place including work with carers, sessions for South Asian asylum seekers and refugees, Eid celebrations, art groups, Ukrainian refugee groups, nature and wellbeing groups, and home education sessions.
Kirsty Tyler, Nature & Wellbeing Communications Officer said ‘This is such big news for The Greenhouse Project, and so well deserved. The greenhouses are such an inspiring place, and the community that’s grown there is wonderful. It’s having such a big impact in making sure that the people of Blackburn with Darwen know more about the different communities that live in their neighbourhood, as well as making sure that our vision for nature’s recovery reaches much farther afield’.
Dame Mary Smieton was a civil servant known for her combination of practicality, courtesy and charm.  She became only the second woman to head a government department, when she was appointed permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education in 1959.  She spent time at the Public Records Office, Ministry of Labour, the Home Office and as Director of Personnel at the United Nations when it was first formed after World War 2. She was also a benefactor of The Wildlife Trusts.Â
