West Midlands Combined Authority

🏃‍♂️ A surprise gift for a hometown hero!

We caught up with Wolverhampton’s own Matthew Hudson-Smith at the iconic Alexander Stadium as excitement builds for the Birmingham 2026: European Athletics Championships this August.

What Matthew didn’t expect was a surprise waiting for him... 👀

In a special moment shared with family, friends and those who have supported him throughout his incredible journey, the extension of the North Stand was officially unveiled as the Matthew Hudson-Smith Stand! 🙌

From training with Birchfield Harriers to becoming a European record-holder, Olympic medallist and one of the most decorated athletes in European history, Matthew continues to inspire the next generation across the West Midlands and beyond.

With Birmingham set to welcome more than 1,600 athletes from 48 nations this summer, there's no better time to celebrate one of our own. And if you're heading to the Championships, you can even sit in the Matthew Hudson-Smith Stand and cheer him on as he races for glory on home soil! 🔥

Wolverhampton Today | Birmingham City Council

🌍 Happy World Environment Day!

What does taking action for nature look like?

In the West Midlands, it can look like volunteers digging, planting, and working side by side to create a brand new community orchard 🌱🍏

Through our Nature Call to Action campaign, Groundwork West Midlands and the John White Community Centre brought people together to create a space that will benefit both wildlife and the community for years to come.

Because when we act together, we can restore nature -right where we live.

Coventry

Nature is calling… and the West Midlands is answering 💚

This spring, communities across the region came together for a month of action - creating greener spaces, supporting wildlife, and bringing nature into everyday life.

From creating ponds and planting trees, to transforming local areas for people and wildlife to enjoy 🌱

We joined Ekho Collective Earth Kind Holistic Offerings CIC and Hawbush Community Gardens in Brierley Hill to celebrate one great example for their community - a brand new nature pond 💧 funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

More than just a pond, it’s a space for wildlife to thrive 🐝, boosts biodiversity, and gives the community somewhere to relax and connect with nature and each other 🌿

And this is just the beginning!

We’ll be continuing this work through our Community Environment Network - supporting groups with training, funding opportunities, and inspiration to take action locally.

Want to get involved?

You can join the Community Environment Network and be part of future Call to Action campaigns. Find out more (and learn more about our Nature Call to Action Campaign projects) here:

👉 https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-energy/community-environment-network/nature-call-to-action-campaign/

Our marketing team got caught up in the Birmingham Pride celebrations 🌈…

Fortunately for us, Mayor Richard Parker was on hand to step in

He's a good sport!

Birmingham Pride