Published: Wednesday, 17th June 2026
Young learners from South Staffordshire College were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to local green spaces at a special Celebration Day held at Hednesford Park last week.
The event brought together partners, community leaders and college representatives to recognise a year of hands-on learning and meaningful environmental work delivered through a successful collaboration between Cannock Chase Council (CCDC), South Staffordshire College and Cannock Chase National Landscape.
Over the academic year, two groups of learners gained valuable real-world experience working within Parks and Open Spaces. As part of a special partnership project with Cannock Chase National Landscape, the students also took on the role of ‘Guardians of Cannock Chase’, developing skills while helping to care for and enhance the local environment.
Their work has already made a visible impact across Hednesford and beyond. Activities included tree planting to support climate initiatives, gardening and landscaping, litter picking, and creating wildlife habitats such as bug hotels using recycled materials. The learners also contributed to community projects, including tidying and decorating the Hednesford War Memorial for Remembrance events and VE Day, crafting decorations for the town’s Christmas tree, and improving park infrastructure by laying tree chippings on pathways.
The programme gave students the opportunity to develop practical skills, from building trellis fencing and creating a living willow border to renovating furniture using recycled materials. In addition, they took part in themed activities aligned with the National Literacy Trust’s ‘Year of Reading’, highlighting the programme’s wider educational benefits.
Councillor John Parkes, Operational Services and Parks Portfolio Leader said: “This partnership is a fantastic example of how we can support young people to develop essential skills while making a real difference to our local environment. As a disabled member of society, I have a deep interest in initiatives that create opportunities for young and progressive adults. The pride and enthusiasm shown by the learners is inspiring, and their work will benefit the community for years to come.”
Rachel Saunders, Lecturer at South Staffordshire College, praised the learners’ dedication: “The learners have received hands-on experience in a real working environment and their commitment in all weather conditions shows how learning beyond the classroom can create positive change for both individuals and the wider community.”
Learners themselves reflected proudly on their achievements.
Daniel Moore said: “We helped make a bug hotel for the creatures, then spread seeds on the soil to grow flowers. We used recycled items from the park.”
Alyssa Belcher added: “When we did gardening in the Signal Box Garden, what I found most surprising was just how short you must cut sage to continue encouraging it to stay healthy and strong!”
The Celebration Day recognised not only the practical skills gained, but also the confidence, teamwork and sense of community developed by the learners throughout the programme.
As the partnership continues to grow, organisers hope to build on this success and provide even more opportunities for young people to learn, contribute and thrive—while helping to protect and enhance the natural spaces that matter most to the community.