There are a large number of 'Friends of' groups across Leeds that you can join. See below for the list of locations that have volunteer groups already running.
They meet quarterly on Tuesdays, 10am to 3pm and are based at Addyman Woods (and adjoining woodlands), Roundhay, LS8 2EH.
Improvement works and conservation tasks include footpath and step installation, cutting back encroaching and invasive vegetation, bulb planting, wildlife surveys and also educational activities.
For more information, contact Rachel Todner on 07891 273 405 or email
rachel.todner@leeds.gov.uk.
They meet monthly on Saturdays or Sundays from 10am to midday and are based at Adel Woods, LS17.
Join a friendly volunteer group to care for Adel Woods and surrounding green space in North Leeds. Tasks include path clearance and scrub control.
For more information, contact Roger Gilbert on 0113 285 7136, 07903 462 715 or email
foaw@me.com. You can also see the
Friends of Adel Woods website external link to find out more.
Friends of Armley Park and Gotts Park
They are based at Armley Park and Gotts Park, LS12 2QX.
They aim to make Armley and Gotts parks more fun, interesting and safe, while also trying to create active, inspiring and creative community spaces for the people of Armley and surrounding areas.
For more information, contact Cat Hyde on 07738 429 503, email
Wednesday - Rose Garden group
They meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10am to 2pm and carry out practical horticulture tasks in the Rose Garden at Gott’s Park. Activities include plant propagation, weeding, pruning, digging over beds, sowing, planting and caring for edible, ornamental and wildlife friendly plants.
Wednesday - Mansion Garden group
They meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 10am to 2pm and carry out practical tasks improving and caring for the gardens and containers around the Mansion at Gott’s Park. Activities include weeding, pruning, ground preparation, sowing, planting and caring for edible, ornamental and wildlife friendly plants.
Thursday - Practical group
They meet on the fourth Thursday of every month from 10am to 2pm to carry out practical work in the parks. Activities include footpath maintenance, dry stone walling, woodland work and some gardening.
For more information, contact Toby Amos 07907 401 383, email
Friends of Arthurs Rein/Fearnville Fields
They are based at green spaces along the Wyke Beck between Seacroft and Gipton, LS8 3BX.
They aim to protect and improve the area for all and try to meet as much as possible, as and when. New members are welcome, join to become another 'Friend of'.
For more information, contact our countryside ranger team by emailing
countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk or phone 0113 378 6002.
Friends of Batcliffe Woods
They meet quarterly at Batcliffe Woods which runs south out of Beckett Park, Headingley, LS6.
New volunteers are always very welcome to come and join the events and activities. These include task days such as bulb, wildflower and tree planting, woodland thinning and general maintenance.
For more information, contact Emma Towers by phone on 0113 378 8990 or email
emma.towers@leeds.gov.uk.
They meet every two to three months and are based at Beckett Park, Headingley, LS6.
They work to protect and enhance the park to improve the landscape and wildlife habitats. Tasks include weeding, planting, vegetation management and rubbish clearance.
For more information, contact Margaret Crowe by email on
friendsofbeckettpark@gmail.com or visit the
Friends of Beckett Park facebook page.
Friends of Beckett Street Cemetery
They help to to look after one of the country’s oldest cemeteries, which is also a designated nature area, based at Beckett Street Cemetery, Burmantofts, LS9 6JF.
For more information, contact the group by phone on 01943 884 466, email
rogerandlynda@guiseley.co.uk or visit the
Friends of Beckett Street Cemetery website external link.
Newlay and Whitecote Residents Association
They are active in the LS13 area and based at Bramley Fall park and woods. Activities over the last four years have included bulb planting, hedge laying and removing Himalayan balsam. They also have social events and provide updates to members. New members are welcome to the group.
Friends of Burley Mills and St Ann’s Woods and Wildlife
The group meet reguarly near Burley Mills and St Ann's Woods in LS4.
Tasks include vegetation management, seed planting, general maintenence and even building natural fences.
Friends of Burley Park are working to improve planting, wildlife habitats and the park environment. They are recently established and new contributors are most definitely welcome.
Friends of Chevin Forest Park
They meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm and are based at Chevin Forest Park, Otley, LS21.
Tasks can include hedge laying, boardwalk construction, orchard maintenance and scrub clearance. This work is essential to the estate management on this beautiful local nature reserve.
If practical work is not for you, come and help carry out research into the historical and natural heritage of the estate in the Chevin Through Time project.
To find out more, please email the Countryside Ranger team
countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk,
admin@chevinforest.co.uk or phone 0113 378 6002. You can also visit the
Friends of Chevin Forest Park website external link.
Friends of Chippy's Quarry
The group invites people from nearby communities to help with practical activities and educational events and are based at Chippy's Quarry, Wood Lane, Scholes, LS15.
Chippy's Quarry is bordered by Crossgates, Scholes and Swarcliffe.
You can also contact ranger Louise Gibson by phone on 0113 336 7555 or email
louise.gibson@leeds.gov.uk.
Cragghill and Woodside Residents Group
They normally meet on the first Monday of each month and are based at Cragghill and Woodside areas of Horsforth, LS18.
The group was established to take an active interest in conserving and enhancing the character of Cragghill and Woodside areas of Horsforth. They also run occasional practical work days.
For more information, contact Helen Jeavons on 07753 957 401 or email
Helen.jeavons@btinternet.com.
Friends of Cross Flatts Park
They aim to create a safe and attractive park for everyone in the community to enjoy and are based at Cross Flatts Park, between Dewsbury Road and Beeston Road, LS11.
Activities include putting on summer band concerts, a dog show, maintaining the edible orchard and other areas of the park, planting bulbs and fund-raising for improvements.
They meet on the second Sunday of month from 9:30am to midday.
Engine Fields is an urban nature area with old mill ponds, a stream, woodland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas with visiting kingfisher, heron and grey wagtails. Join to help with all aspects of practical work, maintenance, publicity or helping to lead events. Tools are provided and training will be given.
To find out more, contact us on 0113 239 1080, email
k@scarboro.demon.co.uk or see the
Engine Fields Facebook page external link.
They meet on Saturdays and are based at Gipton Wood, Oakwood, LS8.
The group help to maintain this special woodland in North Leeds by clearing rubbish, brambles, bracken and tree work. They also sometimes hold guided walks.
For more information, contact us on 0113 266 7569 or see the
Friends of Gipton Wood Facebook page.
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods
They meet once a month on a Sunday from 9:45am to midday and are based at Gledhow Valley Woods, LS8.
Tasks include tree planting and thinning, footpath creation, wildflower planting, steps and fence maintenance. Tools and refreshments are provided. Come along to one of the tasks, look for the banner along Gledhow Valley Road.
Golden Acre Park Estate Volunteers
They meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30am outside the cafe and are based at Golden Acre Park, Bramhope, LS16.
The tasks on offer are seasonal and include a wide range of gardening tasks appropriate for all skill levels. Volunteering is open to anyone 18 years or over. All you need to bring is sturdy footwear, suitable clothing and lunch.
For more information, contact Dean Lockwood on 0113 261 0374 or email
dean.lockwood@leeds.gov.uk.
They meet every one to three months and are based at Golden Acre Park, Bramhope, LS16 9JY.
Tasks include habitat management work, reed mace removal, small tree removal, scrub control and control of invasive species. They also complete wildlife surveys of protected and non-protected species in this nature reserve which is designated a site of special scientific interest.
For more information, contact David Preston by phone on 0113 336 7554 or
meanwoodvalley.ranger@leeds.gov.uk.
Friends of Guiseley Cemetery
They are based at Guiseley Cemetery, Chevin End Road, Guiseley, LS20.
Join one of their regular work parties to help with the upkeep of this scenic cemetery, which has been serving the local community since 1922.
For more information email
dominicar@hotmail.co.uk, phone 07932 686 546 or visit the
Friends of Guiseley Cemetery website.
Friends of Hawksworth Wood
They meet every second Saturday of the month from 10am to 1pm and are based at Hawksworth Wood, LS5.
Tasks vary each month and may include meadow and woodland management, pond and stream clearance, installing benches or bird boxes, step maintenance and woodland bulb planting. This is all to improve the wonderful woodland in between Hawksworth and Horsforth.
To find out more, please email the Countryside Ranger team
countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk, phone 0113 378 6002 or visit the
Friends of Hawksworth Wood Facebook page.
Holbeck and Beeston Cemetery
Holbeck and Beeston Cemeteries Practical Group
They meet on the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm and are based in Holbeck Cemetery and Beeston Cemetery.
Tasks vary each month and include meadow maintenance, sapling removal, ivy management, cutting back, path maintenance and wildflower planting to look after the two cemeteries.
For more information, contact Heather Wagstaff on 0113 535 1517 or email
heather.wagstaff@leeds.gov.uk.
They meet on the second Saturday of the month from 10am to midday and are based at The Hollies Park, Weetwood, LS16.
They are a group of local volunteers committed to the maintenance, preservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of The Hollies, a magical woodland garden with rare trees and shrubs including rhododendrons and azaleas. Tasks include bulb and shrub planting, weeding, pruning and laurel clearance.
Friends of Hunger Hills Woods
They meet on the second Saturday of the month, from 10am to 1pm and are based at Hunger Hills Woods, Horsforth, LS18.
The group aims to promote this small urban woodland located on the edge of Horsforth. They also hold regular events throughout the year and undertake action days in spring and summer.
Hunslet Cemetery Practical group
They meet on the last Wednesday of every month and are based at Hunslet Cemetery, LS10.
The tasks are varied and include removing saplings and ivy from graves, managing vegetation, path maintenance, meadow maintenance and planting, and other work to look after this cemetery which has a rich history and requires regular maintenance to protect the oldest parts.
For more information, contact Heather Wagstaff by phone on 0113 535 1517 or email
heather.wagstaff@leeds.gov.uk.
They meet quarterly on a Saturday or Sunday at 10am and are based at Hunslet Moor, LS10.
The group seeking help to care for and improve Hunslet Moor through a range of practical activities such as gardening and painting.
For more information, contact Joe Walker on 07891 277 006, email
joseph.walker@leeds.gov.uk or you can join the
Friends of Hunslet Moor Facebook group external link.
Friends of Lawnswood Cemetery
They meet on the first Saturday of the month at 10am by main gates on Otley Road and is located at Adel, LS16 6AH.
The aim of the group is to enhance, promote and protect the cemetery. This includes practical site improvement under the supervision of a Leeds City Council Ranger. Tasks could be cutting down foliage, planting bulbs/shrubs, leaf clearance, path edging, bench painting and more.
Lotherton Hall Estate volunteers
They meet weekly on Thursdays at 9am and are based at Lotherton Hall, Aberford, LS25 3EB.
The group helps with a wide variety of estate work including gardening, nature conservation and maintaining site furniture such as fences, paths, gates and benches.
For more information, contact Tom Harrison on 0113 378 2972 or email
thomas.harrison@leeds.gov.uk.
Lower Aire Valley Volunteers
The group meets every Tuesday from 10am and are based at various nature reserves in South East Leeds such as Hollinhurst Woods and Waterhaigh Park.
Tasks include hedge laying, tree planting, cutting down trees to help to improve woodlands, grassland management, building steps and bridges or fixing fences.
They meet on the third Saturday of each month from 10am to midday and are based at Meanwood Park, LS6.
If you want to have fun learning about the park’s plants and animals and care about enriching the diverse habitats which support them, please volunteer. Wear boots or sturdy shoes and be prepared to get a bit muddy and wet. Older children welcome but must be under the close supervision of a responsible parent/carer at all times.
For more information, contact our countryside ranger team: by emailing
countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk or phone 0113 378 6002, or contact the Friends of Meanwood Park:
friendsofmeanwoodpark@gmail.com.
Meanwood Valley Partnership
The group meet regularly to discuss proposed improvements and activities that promote a healthy environment and are based along the Meanwood Valley, LS6.
They volunteer their time and skills to preserve, protect and enhance the Meanwood Valley area. Working in partnership with the council, local businesses and other groups, they aim to improve resources and facilities whilst maintain the area’s great heritage.
Meanwood Valley Volunteer Rangers
They meet monthly and are based along the Meanwood Valley, from Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park.
Tasks range from scrub control, hedgelaying, woodland management to scything and wildlife surveys, all to help improve and maintain habitats for the wildlife.
For more information, contact David Preston by phone on 0113 336 7554 or email
meanwoodvalley.ranger@leeds.gov.uk.
Friends of Middleton Park
The group promote interest and involvement in the park and its woodland and are based at Middleton Park, LS10 3SH. They work to improve facilities in the park, encourage use, protect wildlife and organise events.
Middleton Park Estate Volunteers
The group meet every Thursday from 10am to 3pm at the Visitor Centre in the park and are based at Middleton Park, LS10 3SH.
They undertake practical tasks to improve the green jewel of south Leeds. Activities include gardening, habitat and species management and general estate work. Volunteers should wear stout footwear that provides ankle support and clothing they don’t mind getting dirty or damaged. Tools and training provided but please bring your own lunch.
For more information, contact Ranger Emma Towers on 0113 378 8990 or email
emma.towers@leeds.gov.uk.
If you would like to volunteer on the park:
- there are regular volunteer days, usually the third Saturday of every month. Activities include litter picking and a range of park maintenance tasks. Litter picking is suitable for families and lasts up to an hour. Park maintenance is more adventurous and may include tree planting, bramble clearance, path maintenance and other similar activities and usually lasts around 2 hours
- there is a separate gardening volunteer group who maintain the herb garden, the other small garden areas including planters, and manage the bulb planting programme
- there are projects requiring construction skills from time to time. This included the herb garden, planters and the Little Free Library. Other projects could include bug hotels and bat boxes
If you would like to become involved in shaping future priorities for FoMP, or in leading some of the activities, there is an active Committee that meets 4 times each year.
For enquiries on general membership, committee activities and volunteering please contact Pat Ingle by email at
moortownparkfriends@outlook.com or visit the
Friends of Moortown Park Facebook page external link.
They currently meet quarterly and are based at Morris Wood, Kirkstall, LS6.
They help to preserve and create new habitats and improve accessibility throughout the woodland.
Alternatively, contact Ranger Lou Gibson by phone on 0113 336 7555 or email
louise.gibson@leeds.gov.uk.
New Forest Plantation, Middleton
Friends of New Forest Plantation
The group rely totally on the generosity of volunteers and aim to:
- maintain, enhance and protect the green spaces for local residents enjoy
- improve biodiversity
- improve mental and physical wellbeing of local residents
- foster community spirit, encourage civic pride and communicate public opinion to the local authority
If you would like to get involved in future activities or for more information visit the Friends of New Forest Plantation
website external link or
Facebook page external link.
We meet weekly at 9.50am on Sunday, in the Orchard next to Pebbles Nursery. As well as litter picking and general gardening tasks, we also create wildlife habitats, look after the wildflower meadow, fundraise for park facilities such as benches and organise free events for the local community.
For more information email
friendsofnunroyd@outlook.com, visit the
Facebook page or by coming along on a Sunday morning.
They are based in Penda’s Way, Crossgates, LS15.
The group are working together to improve the former railway line between Manston Lane and Barwick Road. Enhancing the space for local wildlife and creating a safe and usable route for people to enjoy.
Alternatively contact Ranger Louise Gibson on 0113 336 7555 or email
louise.gibson@leeds.gov.uk.
The group are well-established and working to promote and enhance this fantastic woodland in west Leeds for people to use and enjoy. They are based at Post Hill, LS13.
Friends of Pudsey Cemetery and Chapel
They meet regularly to promote the welfare and preservation of the cemetery as an important civic site.
Tasks include grave cleaning, volunteer action days, weeding and removal of self-seeding trees.
Friends of Rothwell Country Park
The group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10am to 3pm and are based at Rothwell Country Park, LS26.
They undertake practical habitat management work on this wonderful nature area. Tea and coffee are provided. Meet at car park off Bullough Lane.
For more information, contact Rachel Todner by email
rachel.todner@leeds.gov.uk or on 07891 273405. You can also see the
Friends of Rothwell Country Park Facebook page external link.
They are based at Roundhay Park, LS8 2HH.
The group works to ensure the park is a first class leisure and recreational facility for the enjoyment of all. They help to improve, enhance and maintain the park and extend existing facilities and resources.
For more information, email Carol Haughton at
secretary@forp.org or visit the
Friends of Roundhay Park website.
Friends of Roundhay Park - Working Parties
The group meet twice monthly on the second Saturday and the forth Thursday from 10am to 1pm (weather dependant) at The Carriage House (behind the Roundhay Fox).
Tasks include weeding, planting shrubs, ferns and trees and removing Himalayan balsam. Recently the group created a Friends Garden, opened a Geology Trail and created a wild flower garden.
Friends of Roundhay Park - litter picking
The group meets once a month, usually on a Monday morning to clear selected areas of the park
Individual members also sometimes adopt a route where they regularly walk and collect litter as they go. This can be the pavement alongside one of the roads, or a footpath in the park or a grassed area such as part of Soldiers Field. This is proving effective in keeping the park litter free. Volunteers are most welcome. We provide tools such as litter pickers and high visibility jackets.
Skelton Woods Environment Group
The group meet on the third Saturday of every month from 10am to 3pm at the Fieldhead Carr School car park off Naburn Approach.
Join them to care for this special woodland and community orchard through activities such as tree thinning, path maintenance and hedge laying. Hot drinks are provided.
The Springhead Park Volunteers
The group meet quarterly on Saturday or Sunday at 10am and are based at Springhead Park, Rothwell, LS26.
They help to look after and improve the park and its surrounding wildlife habitats through tasks like planting bulbs, footpath clearance and beck clearance.
For more information, contact Lee Brown on 07815 779 092 or email
springheadparkvolunteers@gmail.com.
Friends of Sugarwell Hill
The group meet on the second Sunday of every month and are based at Sugarwell Hill, LS7.
They help to maintain and develop an area of outstanding beauty and historic importance in the Meanwood Valley. Tasks involve environment clean ups, tree management and low level groundwork.
Friends of Temple Newsam Park
The group are based at Temple Newsam, LS15. If you are interested in joining the group to support the Temple Newsam Estate, please contact the membership secretary by phone on 0113 264 7510 or email
paulineawood@yahoo.co.uk.
Friends of Temple Newsam, Sunday Volunteers
The group meet on the first Sunday of the month at 10am and are based at Temple Newsam, LS15.
Tasks include maintenance work in the farm and on the estate including woodland management, tree planting, coppicing and footpath clearance. There are also projects involving construction, repair and restoration of parkland furniture like gates, fencing, benches and signs.
For more information, contact Kay Andrews on 01977 553 844, email
Temple Newsam Estate Volunteers
The group meet every Tuesday to undertake practical estate work such as woodland management, fencing and other construction tasks and are based at Temple Newsam, LS15.
For more information, contact Dave Thorpe on 0113 336 7560 or email
dave.thorpe@leeds.gov.uk.
Temple Newsam Farm Restoration Volunteers
A small group working to restore heritage buildings and farm machinery, based at Temple Newsam, LS15.
For more information, contact Dave Thorpe on 0113 336 7560 or email
dave.thorpe@leeds.gov.uk.
Temple Newsam Garden Volunteers
The group have flexible volunteering arrangements, but typically meet on Tuesdays and are based at Temple Newsam, LS15.
The group are primarily responsible for the Tudor garden but also tackles a wide range of garden tasks on the estate and including the rose gardens.
For more information, contact Dave Thorpe on 0113 336 7560 or email
dave.thorpe@leeds.gov.uk.
Temple Newsam Park - Watch Volunteers
The group meet once a month and are based at Temple Newsam, LS15.
They are the 'eyes and ears' of Temple Newsam. Regular visitors who keep an eye on the estate, reporting problems when they arise.
For more information, contact Dave Thorpe on 0113 336 7560 or email
dave.thorpe@leeds.gov.uk.
Friends of Wigton Moor Woods
The group meet monthly in High Ash Church on High Ash Drive, LS17.
They are a busy and active group, dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the lovely woodland. They carry out Woodland maintenance work throughout the winter, hold activity days where they plant bulbs and have bat walks. More local families to help and learn about our delightful wood and park are always welcome.
Woodhouse Ridge Action Group
The group meet on the last Sunday of the month (not including August and December) to carry out practical work in this beautiful woodland a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Friends of Wyke Beck Woods
The group carries out practical work to help improve the biodiversity and habitats of Wyke Beck Woods and neighbouring wildflower meadows in north Leeds.
For more information, email
swhogg@virginmedia.com, phone Ranger Lou Gibson on 0113 336 7555 or email
louise.gibson@leeds.gov.uk.
The group meet on the first Sunday of every month at 10am and work on sites around Yeadon including Yeadon Tarn, Yeadon Banks Village Green and local footpaths and bridleways.
Tasks can be hands on and include practical work like step installation, footpath construction and maintenance, installing new gates and stiles and cutting back vegetation. They also undertake lots of habitat management and nature conservation works including reed bed management, hedge laying, pond work and wildlife surveys.
To find out more, contact Emma Towers on 07891 277108, email
emma.towers@leeds.gov.uk or visit the
Yeadon Bees Facebook page.
Friends of Yeadon Cemetery
They meet to maintain the variety of unusual trees and rich history of Yeadon Cemetery.
Tasks include cutting back foliage, balsam removal, sapling removal, dry stone walling repairs, path maintenance, planting, bird boxes and more.
For more information, contact Heather Wagstaff by phone on 0113 535 1517 or email
heather.wagstaff@leeds.gov.uk.