Green Spaces refers to outdoor recreational areas for people and wildlife, such as Parks, flower beds, hanging baskets and planters, nature reserves, woodlands, urban greenways and underdeveloped landscapes, public rights of way and footpaths, cemeteries and crematoria, allotments and city farms, recreation grounds and playing fields.
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.
Our Aims
We also aim to
Who we are
Benefits of Membership
New Members are welcome
If you're interested in improving the parks and green spaces of Leeds, please join the forum and/or contact us at LPGSF@leeds.gov.uk - or ring 0113 3957400 (Mon-Fri)
Download our Constitution (right)
Links
• Leeds Parks and Countryside Service Contact parks@leeds.gov.uk
• Leeds Parks Fund - charity dedicated to enhancing parks and green spaces in Leeds
• Love Parks (National support for Friends Of groups)
• National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces
What are the benefits of green spaces?
They're popular
97% of Leeds residents visit local parks every year, making a total of 68.9 million visits to Leeds parks - and that's not counting other types of green space such as nature reserves. 50% of British people visit a park at least once a week, and 91% say public parks and open spaces improve their quality of life
They look good
Flowers, trees, woods, lakes, meadows and streams all beautify the area around them
They're healthy
Physical: Evidence shows that people with good access to green space are more active and less likely to have conditions such as obesity which are related to lack of exercise
Mental: The more often a person visits urban green spaces, the less often he or she will report stress related illnesses. Spending time in green spaces can reduce clinical symptoms of anxiety & depression too
They benefit the local economy
Houses near parks tend to sell for more, and green spaces attract visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses. Reduced health costs also help the local economy
They support communities
Green spaces are free and open to all. They're shared spaces where people of different backgrounds can meet and get to know one another
They help control climate change
Plants draw CO2 out of the atmosphere, and green spaces also help by reducing flooding and extreme temperatures
They provide sustainable and safe transport options
Public rights of way through green spaces allow people to get around the city in a safe and environmentally friendly way, by walking, cycling, skating, horse riding or even canoing!
They provide homes for wildlife
Birds, butterflies and bees have vital roles to play, especially within cities
They're child friendly
Parks and green spaces are a free resource where children and families can play, learn and exercise
They connect us to the past
Recent research shows that children learn better in the natural environment than in a classroom, and there's so much to learn out in our parks and green spaces
See here for more