Our Green Champion, Toqueer

Toqueer recieving his Benjamin Zephaniah Award at Aston Villa

Our very own Toqueer Quyyam, prominent local climate and social justice campaigner was recognised at the Benjamin Zephaniah Localism Awards. He is carrying on with his activism and we’re thinking to start our own ‘Heathan’ Awards in 2027 celebrating 50th year since our first Carnival, recognising outstanding people of Balsall Heath. Let us know what you think! Here’s Toqueer’s story:

Toqueer and Benjamin Zephaniah Poetree Forest

I would start by paying my respects to the late Benjamin Zaphaniah and to his family. 

I heard about the project to plant 65 fruit trees in memory of Benjamin at Banbury Park in Newtown, working with the support of Birmingham tree people, who are a charity that supports the maintenance of trees in the city. I am really keen to get involved with the project.

I attended the session that they had and it was really refreshing to see lots of local people along with community groups there. There was support from Birmingham tree people in planting. It was interesting for me to see the diversity of the fruit trees that were planted, you can find out from the Birmingham tree people website. There is a fruit tree trail which you can follow from the website. There were 65 poems each written by the local; community. I really enjoyed listening to poems that were read out. Did you know that British weather is good for apple trees, and they are a diverse range too. 

Locality ward for Toqueer – Aston Villa Foundation

I was nominated for the award by a volunteer group. I remember finding out by email and for me I was in shock, and then to be told I was one of 10 award winners. For me it was an honour. The Aston Villa Foundation were partners. I was invited to Aston Villa FC and was given a trophy from one of Benjamin’s sisters. There was hospitality and we all watched the football game too. I want to thank the family and for the foundation for all they do and for valuing me. All I do is to help diverse communities connect with nature.

Birmingham tree people said

On July 18th 2026 we held a celebration picnic to reconnect with all those involved in delivering the Benjamin Zephaniah Forest. We ate food together in the shade of the trees and listened to poetry from Bradley Taylor and Zakariye and incredible music from John’s Drummers.

As with all of our trees, we commit to seeing the trees through to an establishment where they should be strong enough to look after themselves, with little intervention. We will be back in the space later on this year to do some tree care with our volunteers and our Tree Care Coordinator.

I went again to celebrate with the community, there was poetry and stalls, from groups such as Patchwork meadows and arts and crafts. It was a family friendly event. I could see people taking a lovely walk to see the fruit trees. With the heat wave, the grass was very dry and I asked one of the tree people experts about the condition of the trees, they said they were struggling somewhere and needed watering. 

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that it takes care and maintenance to look after the trees. I want to thank the dedicated team of volunteers at the Ark and Birmingham Tree People for what they do. I hope that there is investment at the park for far too long. Parks in inner city areas are often neglected, but there is so much more than green spaces, there are places for people to come together, walks and great for health and well being. I would encourage local people to get involved and volunteer with parks friends groups, its really rewarding and its great in making new connections and friendships.

My hopes

I really want to use my voice to highlight the systematic inequality in access to green spaces. History has shown us that it’s not those in power that will change, but ordinary people who care enough and have an enduring desire for something better, dignity, a future we can all be proud of. Its been too long that inner city areas have been neglected, parks which for many are the only places, there is fly tipping and it can feel unsafe with lack of basic facilities. The local community should be supported by the council so that all parks can thrive. 

Written by Toqueer

Websites

Last Word

Benjamin Zephania knew Balsall Heath well, spending time hanging around local spots like Khan’s Café working tirelessly to bring people together:

“We started to pull people together and break down barriers between black and white, and the Balsall Heath lot and the Moseley lot.”

Benjamin Zephaniah Forest Celebration Day
Toqueer recieving his Benjamin Zephaniah Award at Aston Villa
Toqueer recieving his Benjamin Zephaniah Award at Aston Villa