This month, Wales & West Utilities is celebrating the first anniversary of the completion of the Quaker’s Yard environmental improvement project and the recognition its receiving as part of the company’s commitment to land remediation, environmental improvement and sustainability goals.
The £1.3 million environmental improvement project involved the remediation and transformation of a former Victorian gasworks site into a welcoming community and biodiversity space.
Working closely with local representatives and Biogenie Remediation, specialists in brownfield remediation, Wales & West Utilities delivered a wide range of improvements across the 0.54-hectare site, including:
- Re-engineering a section of the riverbank to protect against erosion caused by increasingly fast-flowing waters
- Full turn-over of the site (4,000m3 of soil) and dealing with the contaminated ground.
- Replanting more than 800 native trees and shrubs
- Installing bird and bat boxes to support local wildlife
- Creating hibernacula, bee and bug hotels, kingfisher nest boxes, and an otter holt
- Providing two benches for walkers and cyclists
- Installing information boards to share the site’s history and biodiversity
Since its launch, the Quaker’s Yard project has won an International and a World Green Apple Environment Award from ‘The Green Organisation’ for environmental improvement. These awards aim to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.
Additionally, it was shortlisted for two 2025 Brownfield Awards: ‘Best Re-Use of Materials’ and ‘Best Biodiversity Net Gain or Enhancement on a Brownfield Project’.
The Brownfield Awards aim to bring together the brownfield community to celebrate the excellent work undertaken by organisations and project partnerships, achieved through the use of innovative techniques, awareness of sustainability, engagement with stakeholders, and best practice.
Stacy Griffiths, Corporate Environmental Lead, Net Zero, WWU said:
“We are thrilled that over the last year the Quaker’s Yard project has been nominated and recognised with these awards. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of WWU’s Net Zero and Sustainability team, as well as highlighting our sustainability initiatives and our longstanding commitment to being an environmentally responsible company. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on the project and made this a reality.”
Matt Hindle, Head of Net Zero and Sustainability said:
"One year on, it is fantastic to see the transformation of this former brownfield site into a thriving green space that supports biodiversity and provides a safe, welcoming place for the community to enjoy. This achievement reflects our long-term commitment to enhancing the environment and demonstrates the lasting benefits that voluntary projects and collaborative working can deliver. By investing in sustainable outcomes, we are creating a valuable legacy that benefits both nature and people for years to come."