“Karen has become part of the very fabric of Redcatch Park. She truly embodies its heart”
This was the heartwarming moment a woman who has spent much of her free time for years picking up litter in her local park in South Bristol realised people in the local community had thrown her a surprise party to say thank you. The party was held to celebrate Karen Rich, after she was awarded a prestigious Lord Mayor’s Medal for her services to the community.
Almost a decade ago, Karen decided something needed to be done about the amount of litter in her much-loved local park, Redcatch Park in Knowle, and after realising that if you want a job doing properly, you have to do it yourself, got herself a litter-picker and rubbish bag and got busy.
In the years since, and especially through Covid when Redcatch Park became an even more valuable and well-used open space in the heart of South Bristol, Karen became a familiar face. She was even more popular with all the dogs in the area, when she started carrying around a pouch of doggy treats.
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Last week, at a special, intimate ceremony held at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall, Karen was awarded the medal by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Henry Michallat. Surrounded by her close family and friends, Karen was warmly thanked for her volunteer work and remarkable community spirit.
Surprise party being thrown for Karen Rich, Tuesday 5 August 2025, who last week received a Lord Mayor’s Medal for her volunteer work picking up litter from Redcatch Park in Knowle. (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
In the speech, the Lord Mayor praised her ‘kindness, compassion and tireless work’ for Redcatch Park, adding that her contribution deserved recognition. He said thank you on behalf of the city and county of Bristol ‘for all you’ve done and all you continue to do’.
She’s a stalwart member of the Friends of Redcatch Park. A spokesperson for that voluntary organisation said: “Karen is always modest, and never one to chase the limelight. She said she was delighted to receive the award, and her family were glad and proud to see her honoured in this way.”
“For those who know Karen, the recognition couldn’t be more timely — or more deserved,” she said. “Her quiet presence in the park is a daily reminder of what makes local green spaces truly special – passionate people who care.
Karen with multiple bunches of flowers that were received.(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
“Whether she’s picking up litter, being greeted by a stream of four-legged friends, who all know she never forgets treats), or exchanging a kind word with a passer-by, Karen has become part of the very fabric of Redcatch Park. She truly embodies its heart.
“We’re sure she’ll be back in the park soon — litter picker in one hand, dog treats in the other, and that same bright smile that’s brought joy to our community for nearly a decade,” she added.
Karen Rich receiving a Lord Mayor’s Medal from the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Henry Michallat, for her years of voluntary work litter-picking in Redcatch Park, Knowle(Image: Friends of Redcatch Park)
At City Hall, Karen and her friends and family got a tour of the council chamber and she got to sit in the Lord Mayor’s chair and even wore his tricorn hat.
At Redcatch Community Garden this week, she was overwhelmed by the surprise and seeing so many friends and people from the community in Knowle come out to give her thanks. Both occasions involved lots of cake.