Hounslow Council is celebrating all the remarkable park volunteers and Friends groups who help to support and improve green spaces across the borough, this Love Parks Week.
Love Parks is a national campaign led by Keep Britian Tidy. Running from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August, it's an annual celebration of parks and green spaces, the people who care for them and the huge benefits they bring to communities and environments.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm at Hounslow Council, said "I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing park volunteers, community groups, and Friends over the years. Seeing the passion and joy they pour into our green spaces really is the best thing about this job.
“We’re proud to support this work through our Volunteering in Parks programme, which supports ten park volunteer groups led by brilliant officers from Lampton GreenSpace.
“We owe everyone who’s invested their time and energy to improving our parks a big thank you. I would encourage people to find a park group near you, get involved, and make some new friends."
Friends of Lampton Park
Hounslow’s park groups have done everything from creating a children’s splash pool and playground (Dukes Meadows Trust) to growing and harvesting fresh produce to take home and eat (Friends of Lampton Park) and building a new a pathway, planting trees and supporting a colourful wildflower meadow that blossoms with life (Friends of Ludlow Nature Reserve).
Ludlow Nature Reserve volunteers
Shelley, from the Friends of Ludlow Nature Reserve, said "After funding was granted from Hounslow Council, we’ve been working together as a local community to care for and improve this wonderful green space in Feltham. The reserve is a place for everyone to enjoy, whether you come to spot wildlife, take a peaceful walk, ride your bike with your children or simply relax in nature."
Kathleen, Director of Dukes Meadows Trust, said “Our volunteers carry out a range of seasonal gardening jobs through the year. Tree planting, pruning and hedge cutting in autumn/winter and planting up and maintaining flower beds in spring and summer.
“People enjoy seeing things they've planted grow and helping to enhance the park for people and wildlife. We chat whilst working and usually have coffee or ice cream after, so it's a social event as well.”
Hounslow has many independent park and Friends groups and the Council also manages park volunteering groups with experts from Lampton Greenspace.
