Volunteering in Leeds parks and green spaces

With the help of the hundreds of volunteers who work with us every year, we can achieve so much in our mission to protect, promote and enhance the green spaces of Leeds.

We really appreciate any support and we always welcome new volunteers so if you are interested in working with us, read on.

Volunteer opportunities

The main ways to volunteer in our parks and countryside are:

• individually with our teams, for example with our gardeners or animal keepers
• getting involved in our woodland creation scheme
• as part of a volunteer group such as ‘Friends of’ groups
• as part of a corporate volunteering group for team building days and social responsibility sessions

There are lots of different kinds of work that you can do for us. Some examples include:

• practical work such as gardening, nature conservation or maintaining paths and fences
• fundraising
• organising community events
• being the ‘eyes and ears’ of a site
• promotion and publicity
• surveying wildlife

Ways to get involved

Join a community group

You could join or even set up your own community group, such as 'Friends of' groups or see Leeds parks and green spaces forum.

Community In Bloom Groups

If you would like to improve your local green space and become involved in your local In Bloom group, email countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk.

Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Forum

The Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Forum is a voluntary organisation made up of individuals, groups and organisations interested in enhancing the green spaces of Leeds. They meet every three months at a variety of locations for guided walks, talks and networking.

Many of the members represent 'Friends of' groups and they are there to provide help and advice to new groups among other things. New members are always welcome.

Find out more at the Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Forum website or the Leeds Parks Forum Facebook page. You can also get in touch by email on lpgsf@leeds.gov.uk or phone 0113 378 6002.

Leeds Voluntary Footpath Rangers (LVFR)

LVFR are a group of volunteers who usually work every fortnight on a Thursday.

They help maintain a network of public rights of ways made up of 850km of footpaths, bridleways and byways, covering the whole Leeds area.

The work is varied and includes general cutback of vegetation, surveying key recreational routes, step installation, stile and gate repairs, drainage works, path resurfacing, riverside banking and bridge repairs and even the construction of bridges.

The volunteers either meet on site or at a pick-up point in Roundhay. To find out more, email PROW@leeds.gov.uk.

Leeds Wildlife Volunteers

Leeds Wildlife Volunteers are based at green spaces all across the city.

They meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month to help improve and maintain habitats for wildlife. There are many different tasks including dry stone walling, wildflower planting, hedge-laying and hay-raking. This gives you the chance to get to know wildlife sites all over Leeds.

To find out more, please email rachel.todner@leeds.gov.uk.

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)

TCV meet every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:15am at TCV Hollybush Conservation Centre, Kirkstall, LS5 3BP.

They work to improve green spaces all over the city undertaking a variety of tasks including woodland management, path works, timber construction, meadow clearance, food growing, dry stone walling and creation of wildlife and learning areas for schools.

To find out more, you can phone 0113 274 2335 or visit The Conservation Volunteers at Hollybush website.

Volunteer Rangers

The Countryside Rangers are based at various locations across the city.

They meet on first and third Tuesday of each month at 10am. You might undertake tasks in locations including parks, churchyards, woodlands, nature reserves and allotments.

All welcome, get some fresh air and exercise, learn new skills and meet new people whilst improving the environment. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, old clothes and bring a packed lunch.

To find out more, contact Louise Gibson by phone on 0113 336 7555 or email louise.gibson@leeds.gov.uk.

Tropical World

We are looking for volunteers to assist the animal team with day-to-day tasks such as preparing and distributing animal feed, cleaning animal enclosures and visitor areas, theming animal enclosures and recording environmental data. We are also looking for volunteers to help us look after the plant collection within Tropical World so if you are interested in gardening and horticulture please get in touch. Please note that Tropical World is a very warm and humid environment!

If you're interested in finding out more or applying, view more information on the Tropical World website.