The funding has helped deliver a range of enhancements at the reserve, situated in Willenhall, which are already making a big difference for both visitors and wildlife. Key improvements include: Over 750 metres of new, accessible pathways, replacing uneven ground and old, dilapidated steps with an easy-to-use new ramp New gates, offering better access and security for the site A refreshed ladder board and site map, helping visitors explore the reserve with ease Vegetation management in selected woodland areas to support long-term habitat health Dredging of one of the reserve’s key wildlife ponds, improving the aquatic environment for amphibians and…

A number of community-based organisations are set to deliver activities as part of a programme to promote and support good food choices and improved access to food. The Feeding Our Futures Small Grants Programme is funding 17 voluntary and community sector organisations in Walsall to deliver a range of innovative projects and activities. These initiatives are designed to enhance access to good quality food and support better food choices. The funded projects will encompass a diverse array of activities focused on food security, education, and community wellbeing. These include cooking, growing, and nutrition workshops; the development of budget-friendly recipe books;…

The ‘Black British Ballet Exhibition’ will be hosted at Lichfield Street Hub Library, open now until July 30, 2025. The exhibition will include 20 to 30 images taken over the past 60 years, archive posters, and audio and video clips of the dancer’s stories. The video clips will be sourced from interviews carried out by Oxygen Arts over the past 18 months with 20 black British ballet dancers. There will also be a range of events and activities including reading, photography, ballet and creative writing workshops, and a ballet show curated by Oxygen Arts. “ I am very excited we…

The New Art Gallery Walsall is getting a green makeover as part of a project to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy use, thanks to funding from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Work is currently underway to replace the Gallery’s old heating system with modern, eco-friendly air source heat pumps. Solar panels will also be installed on the building to help generate clean electricity, along with new double glazing, efficient hot water taps, and other upgrades to make the building use less energy overall. These improvements will make the 25-year-old…

Walsall residents are being encouraged to play a role in creating cleaner, healthier air for all as Clean Air Day is marked on 19 June 2025. Clean Air Day is a national campaign which focuses on taking collective action to tackle air pollution, increasing public awareness of the health harms of air pollution, and demonstrating support for clean air. Air pollution remains a significant public health challenge and affects individuals from before birth through to old age. Although often invisible, air pollution is linked to a wide range of health issues throughout life, from premature births and effects on organ…

With temperatures rising this week, Walsall residents are being reminded to take steps to stay safe and well during the hot weather, as the UK Health Security Agency (in partnership with the Met Office) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the West Midlands. The alert is in place until 23 June 2025 at 9am. “ While many enjoy warm, sunny weather and time outdoors, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be challenging for some, especially older adults, young children and those with long-term health conditions. Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains on sun-facing rooms and check…

Where I Am was a year-long project delivered by The MindKind Projects with funding from Walsall Council Public Health. The Where I Am project was a year-long programme between May 2024 and April 2025, delivered by The MindKind Projects and funded by Walsall Council Public Health. The project delivered a variety of activities, including six borough-wide engagement events which attracted over 700 attendees, to raise awareness around men’s health and provide safe, informal spaces for open dialogue, making connections and gathering feedback. A strategic development group was formed to enhance men’s mental health and wellbeing across the borough. Collaborating with…

The centre, on New Forest Rd, will be retrofit to make it as close to carbon neutral as possible so that it can become an exemplar building to educate domestic and commercial users on the benefits of renewable energy. The centre will offer support to businesses and residents to explore funding available, such as carbon credits that can be obtained to retrofit homes to save people money. The centre has received £325,995 funding from Walsall Council’s Community Capital programme, which is funded by the Government’s Town Deal. “ As a council we are keen to support projects like this that…

Councillor Mike Bird was elected as Leader of the Council, following the resignation of Councillor Garry Perry last month. Councillor Bird was first elected to Walsall Council in 1980. He previously held the position of Leader of the Council between 2018 and 2024. Following his election the new Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird said: “ It’s good to be back! It has been an honour for me to represent the people of Walsall for more than 40 years. Walsall is my home and I want the best for the borough and the very best for Walsall people, they…

Families in Walsall are being urged to check they and their children are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations, especially ahead of the summer holidays. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that outbreaks are continuing, with a sharp increase in cases in the West Midlands. There has also been a global increase in measles cases including Europe over the last year and the Agency is concerned, that with travelling for holidays or to visit family this summer, there is a risk this could lead to another surge of measles cases…