A pub with a wildlife garden in West Malvern has received a £500 grant to further improve its green space.
The Brewers Arms, a community-owned pub, plans to use the funding from Malvern Hills District Council to enhance the biodiversity of its garden with new features including a pond, birdbaths, and nest boxes.
The grant was secured with the help of Manda Graham from the Friends of the Brewers committee.
Brian O’Connell, chairman of the Brewers Arms community committee, said: “The wildlife garden is a real asset for the pub and the whole community.
“Continuing to invest in it improves the atmosphere here for our visitors and does something genuinely worthwhile for local wildlife – something we know matters deeply to people in West Malvern.”
The garden project is being led by Jo Lewis, the committee’s community garden lead.
Work is already under way, with pond digging in progress, two birdbaths installed, and plans for further improvements.
Councillor Natalie McVey, Worcestershire county councillor for West Malvern, said: “The UK is fast becoming one of the most nature-depleted environments in the world, with habitats and species facing unprecedented challenges.
“Nature is under increasing pressure from habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change and pollution.
“The Malvern Hills area is not exempt from these pressures, so when the opportunity came to support the development of a wildlife garden at The Brewers Arms, I didn’t hesitate.
“Creating a safe place for nature is vital if we are to reverse the trend and give our native species an opportunity to survive and thrive.
“Thank you to the team of volunteers who have driven this project forward.”
The Brewers Arms has a remarkable community story. When the pub closed and went up for sale, 437 residents raised more than £400,000 through a community share scheme.
The pub was purchased in September 2022 and reopened under community ownership on December 10, 2022.
The pub is open every day except Monday and serves food Wednesday to Sunday at lunch and in the evenings.
