This week, volunteers who helped to clear tonnes of rubbish from Alexandra Park during the pandemic have been recognised with a top award.

They received the Heritage in Lockdown Hero Award at the Heritage Alliance’s annual awards ceremony, with the honour being accepted on their behalf by The Friends of Alexandra Park who coordinated the volunteers work, with support from the Palace Grounds Maintenance Team and Park Manager.

Alexandra Park has served as a haven for millions of people throughout the pandemic, with visitor numbers nearly double what they would be in a normal year. Unfortunately a negative side effect of this has been a huge spike in litter. Overall for the period May-December 2020, 147 tonnes of rubbish were collected in the park, an increase of 45 per cent on the same time in previous years.

The role played by the volunteers in tackling this issue was outstanding. More than 100 people, young and old, helped the effort, all with the common goal to support the environment and their local park.

For over a decade Ecclesiastical’s Heritage Heroes Awards have celebrated the incredible contribution of volunteers in the heritage sector. More than a simple thank you, these awards are a great opportunity to demonstrate how communities can take ownership of the historic environment around them and make a real difference.