Wyre Forest Rangers and Adopt a Street scheme shortlisted for two national awards
News release issued:
A community litter picking initiative and a dedicated team of rangers have been shortlisted for two national awards.
Wyre Forest District Council is pleased to announce that it is a finalist in the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards 2025. It has been shortlisted in two categories, Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural, and Best Community and Neighbourhood initiative.
The APSE Service Awards are open to all local authorities and their public sector partners across the country, shining a light on frontline services and special initiatives.
The council’s Adopt a Street scheme has been shortlisted for Best Community and Neighbourhood initiative. Launched in 2023, the scheme encourages both individuals and groups to take make a difference by keeping their local areas clean and tidy. It runs alongside the council’s own street cleaning service and is part of its priority to make the district a clean, safe and green place to live, work and visit.
The council’s ranger service has been shortlisted for Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural. The small team of rangers play a crucial role in conserving, managing, and enhancing the district’s diverse natural landscapes. Covering 654 acres, the team oversees three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and fourteen Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety said,
“We are extremely proud to be shortlisted in two categories for this year’s APSE Service Awards. It is great recognition for both our officers and volunteers who work tirelessly on our Adopt a Street scheme, which makes a real difference in the district.
It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team of rangers, who make sure our sites are maintained for biodiversity, community enjoyment and future generations.”
The winners of the APSE Service Awards will be announced at a ceremony in September.
For more information about the Adopt a Street scheme and how to get involved, visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/adoptastreet.
To find out more about the work carried out by the ranger service, visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/rangers.