Oak Farm wins national recycling award
A day service for adults with learning disabilities has won a prestigious national award for their community recycling activities.
Shropshire Council’s Oak Farm, who won their category Community Recycling Champion, were one of a host of companies, public sector organisations and individuals who scooped top honours at the 2011 Chartered Institute of Waste Management Awards for Environmental Excellence.
The winners were announced on Thursday 10 November 2011, at an awards ceremony hosted by TV celebrity Alistair McGowan, who praised the waste sector for the work it does in reducing society’s environmental impact and raising awareness.
Oak Farm in Ditton Priors is a busy farm run by people with learning disabilities. Everyone is involved in looking after animals, and growing and selling home grown produce.
The farm champions local recycling by enthusiastically encouraging villagers to compost at home or via their community composting scheme, and looks after the village’s recycling banks.
Councillor Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled that Oak Farm have won their category and would like to congratulate everyone who have worked so hard in achieving this fantastic accolade. This award is a real recognition of the brilliant community work the people at the farm are doing together with local residents. I am sure that everyone at Oak Farm are very proud of this wonderful achievement.”
Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member covering disability, said:
“This is brilliant news for Oak Farm who have demonstrated a very innovative and sustainable way of supporting their local community in disposing their recyclable waste. I am so glad Oak Farm have won this prestigious award and congratulate everyone for their hard work.”
Councillor Mike Owen, Cabinet member responsible for recycling, said:
“This is a fantastic result for Oak Farm who can take pride in the fact that they are recognised as one of the best when it comes to recycling. This award reflects the terrific commitment they have shown which has been made possible by a strong partnership between the farm and local residents.”
Councillor John Hurst-Knight, a local councillor for Bridgnorth West and Tasley, said:
“Having been associated with Oak Farm for many years I am delighted that they have received the recognition of the work they have done over the years. Good practice, enthusiasm and good management has encouraged local residents to recycle. This is a lesson we all can use.”
Stuart Toulson, manager of Oak Farm, said:
“There are over 50 people with learning disabilities who work at Oak Farm and every single person is involved in our recycling initiatives. Some people are physically able to move various recyclable materials, whereas others who are not quite so able are competent at sorting and processing various materials. Therefore, winning this award reflects on everyone’s contribution, it is a great achievement for Oak Farm and a real recognition of the interaction between the local community and the people who work there.”
Oak Farm were also recent runners up in the national Best Partnership Award in the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee 2011 celebration awards.
The day service had been shortlisted under the category Best Partnership Award for their Oak Farm community composting scheme. The strength and success of the project is due to the way in which the local community and the farm have worked closely together.
