What is Love Leeds Parks?
We are pleased to spotlight our latest partnership, Love Leeds Park, whose vision is for everyone in Leeds to have a green space that they love on their doorstep.
Whilst the charity does not manage the parks or fund parks maintenance, they work in partnership with Leeds City Council, who own much of the beautiful green space in Leeds.
From Roundhay, to Springhead, to Golden Acre and so many more, the work that Love Leeds Parks do has a huge impact on local green spaces.
The charity says,
"Every day, residents from diverse cultural backgrounds come together in Leeds' 65 community parks to socialise, exercise, relax and play. These parks provide visitors with much needed respite from the intensity of urban living, with many residents turning to their local park to combat loneliness, stress and anxiety. Whether volunteering, picnicking with friends or savouring quiet time with a book, visitors of all ages leave happier, healthier, and benefitting from a stronger connection to both nature and their neighbours.
Despite the important role they play, the future of these community parks is under threat. As budgets continue to be drastically cut, there is a danger parks will significantly deteriorate or be lost altogether.
This is why Love Leeds Parks was launched as an independent charity in 2021. Our mission is to support communities to improve and use their local public green spaces, with a focus on those areas that are most at need."
Just one of the ambitious initiatives that the charity is running is to plant 5.8 million trees in the next 25 years. This is with the aim of achieving the goal to become a carbon neutral city. Trees play such an essential role in fighting climate change, providing homes for wildlife, removing pollution from the air and beautifying the city.
Our 3 favourite parks
Leeds is bursting with beautiful green space, but there are a few that we at Monroe absolutely love. Here are our 3 favourite parks in Leeds:
Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is one of the biggest city parks in Europe. It covers more than 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. The park is one of the most popular attractions in Leeds; nearly a million people visit each year.
It’s a well-known venue for a number of events including the largest annual bonfire and firework display in Leeds, as well as music festivals and food and drink festivals.
Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park is an incredible 179 acres of mature woodlands and gardens surrounding a picturesque lake.
Set between Leeds popular northern suburbs Adel and Bramhope. Golden Acre Park comes alive with nature's vibrant colours throughout the spring and autumn.
The park is home to a lot of wildlife, including wild birds, rabbits and squirrels. Some are lucky to have seen the resident deer roaming!
Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam is a country estate surrounded by 1500 acres of scenic parkland, forming the second largest part of the Forest of Leeds over in the east of the city.
You can find out more about Love Leeds Parks here: https://loveleedsparks.org.uk/