As part of National Highways’ Volunteer Month, our volunteers spent three days supporting residents in Druids Heath, Birmingham, helping to improve outdoor spaces for those most in need.

Following a Community Wants & Needs Assessment (CWaNA) across the Midlands, Druids Heath was identified as an area where Carnell could make a meaningful contribution. The area is one of the Midlands’ highest-ranked Pride in Place (PiP) communities, lying in the top 0.2% and is recognised as one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England, highlighting the importance of investment in local environments and community wellbeing.

Working with the Regeneration Room and Birmingham City Housing Officers, two priorities were identified: clearing fly-tipped waste from the estate and restoring overgrown gardens for vulnerable residents.

The project was supported by HW Martin and Tarmac, who provided additional resources and waste removal throughout the initiative.

Al Carns, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, said:

“The garden clearances and fly-tipping work carried out will make a tangible difference to residents in Druids Heath, particularly those who are unable to maintain their own outdoor spaces. This is exactly the kind of partnership working that can help strengthen neighbourhoods and improve people’s quality of life.”

Donna Dind, Social Value and Supplier Lead at National Highways, added:

“Supporting Druids Heath is a great way of giving back to our communities and helping to ensure its residents have clean and tidy streets, and green spaces they can enjoy.”

The volunteering initiative has left a lasting impact, creating cleaner streets and restoring outdoor spaces that will improve the daily lives of local residents.