Blyth volunteers win prestigious King's Award for restoring neglected site
A group in Blyth who have hard worked to restore a neglected site into a community hub have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Isabella Heap Volunteer Group is based at Isabella Heap in Blyth, affectionately known as the Bella.
The group meets twice a week and has an age range of seven to over 60, with a membership of 30 volunteers.
They have taken an abandoned industrial pit that was overgrown, unloved, forgotten and constantly suffered from anti-social behaviour, and created a safe, greece place for local residents, dog walkers, families and runners to enjoy.
Volunteer, Aileen Barrass said: “I’m delighted that our work has been recognised. The commitment of our volunteers is immense, their dedication to the project and the support they give to each other cannot be measured.
“Over the past few years we have cleared fly tipping, thinned out trees, cut back bushes to widen footpaths, and planted native trees and flowers. We have also set up ‘The Community Pantry’ with an aim to reduce food waste and support residents and completed surveys relating to the pond and bats.
“There is an increase in footfall as residents enjoy walking or running around the Bella. We also work with schools who volunteer and complete set projects.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities, and is equivalent to an MBE.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.
Representatives of Isabella Heap Volunteer Group will receive the award crystal and certificate from Dr Caroline Pryer, Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, in the coming months.
In addition, two volunteers from Isabella Heap Volunteer Group will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2027, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
Aileen added: “The Bella Heap is now a good place to visit and is excellent for people's mental health as well as physical health.
“We work in partnership with Northumberland County Council, Blyth Town Council, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Neighbourhood Police, Fire and Rescue.
“I am extremely proud of being a member of this group and to the volunteers who attend each session a massive thank you to you all.”