16 Jul 2018
Celebrate the success of Leeds’s stunning green spaces during Love Parks Week
Several parks in Leeds have once again been recognised as some of the very best green spaces in the UK, just in time for the annual Love Parks Week.
Otley Chevin, Pudsey Park, Golden Acre Park, Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, Temple Newsam estate and Middleton Park have been awarded a Green Flag status, an internationally recognised stamp of quality given to parks and green spaces across the UK that provide the highest environmental standards, excellent visitor facilities and a beautifully maintained environment.
As well as being recognised by the independent Green Flag judges, there is also evidence, from a Leeds University study, that local residents love Leeds’s parks. The research showed that 91 per cent of the city’s population make at least one trip to a Leeds park each year, with over half of those visiting at least once a week. The survey also revealed that satisfaction with parks in Leeds was very high, with 90 per cent being either satisfied or very satisfied with the main park they visited.
So what better way to celebrate such achievements than getting involved with the national ‘Love Parks Week’ from the 13th – 22nd July 2018.
In what is always a packed programme of activities, residents from the city with a passion for parks will be able to attend a range of events that showcase the important role that green spaces play in both communities and people’s lives.
Included in the fun is a chance for young people to investigate archaeological sites and try traditional crafts as well as excavations at Middleton Park. You can also ‘Bioblitz’ your way through a fun packed day of wildlife spotting at Adel Moor and Woods.
Or if gardens, plants and flowers are more your thing, join the gardeners on the guided walks at Golden Acre and Roundhay parks, to find out more about their specialist gardens and plant displays.
With lots more on offer, including ‘bands in the park’ events right across the city, there is something for everyone.
If you love Leeds’ parks, there are opportunities to support them through volunteering or making a donation to the new charity, Leeds Parks Fund. Find out more and view a short film about Leeds Parks at www.leedsparksfund.org.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for Environment and Active Lifestyles, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our city’s parks and green spaces and so it is excellent news that seven parks have been recognised once again with a prestigious Green Flag Award. I would like to thank all of our Parks and Countryside staff and countless volunteers for their hard work, all of whom we owe this amazing success to. There really is no better way to celebrate than to get involved with Love Parks Week.”
Notes to editors:
- Launched in 1996, Green Flags were first awarded to recognise the best green spaces and parks across the UK. Potential sites for a Green Flag Award are judged on the following criteria; a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, clean and well maintained, sustainability, conservation and heritage, community involvement, marketing and management. Visit http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/ to find out more about the award.
- Full Love Parks Week events as follows:
Roundhay Park
Tuesday 17th July, 2018
1.30pm – 3pm
Love Parks Week Guided walk
Join our head gardener to discover the award winning specialist gardens at Roundhay Park.
Meeting place: Side of the Mansion House, facing the small lake, Mansion Lane.
T: 0113 3786002
Cross Flatts Park, Beeston
Wednesday 18 July 2018
10am - 3pm
Beeston In Bloom Action Day
Join the Cross Flatts Park volunteers to help make the park borders, raised beds and orchard look great for the upcoming visit from the Yorkshire in Bloom judges. All welcome, no need to book, the raised beds are accessible for wheelchair users who’s like to get involved. Café and accessible toilets available.
Meeting place is Watsonia pavilion.
T: Stanley 0777 3066 397
Golden Acre Park
Thursday 19th July 2018
1pm – 3pm
Love Parks Week Guided walk
Explore the amazing plants and gardens of Golden Acre Park with the Head Gardener.
Meeting place: Bottom of the café patio area
T: 0113 3786002
Middleton Park
Thursday, 19 July 2018
10am – 3pm
Middleton Park Estate Volunteers
Volunteers required for gardening, habitat management & other estate work. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or damaged and stout footwear with ankle support.
Meet at Middleton Park Visitor Centre, near LS10 3SH.
T: 0113 3781142
Middleton Park
Saturday, 21 July 2018
10am - 12 noon
Leeds Young Archaeologists’ Club
Leeds YAC is open to everyone aged 8-16 years and gets involved in investigating archaeological sites and trying traditional crafts as well as excavations.
Meet at Middleton Park Visitor Centre, near LS10 3SH. Booking required!
T: 07986924962
Adel Moor and Woods
Sunday 22nd July 2018
11am – 2pm
Bioblitz Wildlife Survey
Join us at Adel Moor & woodlands has we Bioblitz our way through a fun packed day of wildlife spotting. Exploring the # Wilderness on your Doorstep #. All age groups welcome, under 18's should be accompanied by parents or guardians.
Meet at entrance on Buckstone Mount, Alwoodly
T: 07712101649/0113 336 7554
E: MeanwoodValley.Ranger@leeds.gov.uk
W: www.facebook.com/meanwoodvalley
Middleton Park
Sunday, 22 July 2018
12 noon – 4pm
Rock and Folk Music Festival
Middleton’s own music festival celebrating local bands.
Meet at the performance area near the visitor centre and bandstand.
T: 07747092459
E: info@fomp.co.uk
Lots of places!
Sunday 22 July 2018
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Bands in the Park
Tunes from local musicians, mainly brass bands, to enjoy for free at the following parks: Canal Gardens in Roundhay park, Dartmouth park, Horsforth Hall park, Temple Newsam, Westroyd park, Wharfmeadows park and Wetherby Riverside Bandstand.
More information: http://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/summer-bands-leeds-parks
Ends
Becky Stubbs, Leeds City Council press office
Tel: 0113 3786199
Email: rebecca.stubbs@leeds.gov.uk
For media enquiries contact:
Leeds City Council Communications team
communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk