What we do

We believe that Leeds’ green spaces should be provided both for and with communities. Our work focuses on increasing Leeds residents’ influence over their local parks, so they can be transformed from neglected public places to thriving community spaces.

There are three core strands to our work:

  •

    Connect

    We inspire residents of all ages and backgrounds to re-imagine a park that better serves their local community. We explore residents’ traditions, hopes, ideas, and challenges, co-producing a shared vision for the green spaces on their doorstep.

  •

    Mobilise

    We empower grassroots groups to bring these shared visions to life, through community-led parks activity and improvements. Activity connects residents to both nature and their neighbours, building happier, healthier, and more resilient communities.

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    Sustain

    We partner with land owners, community leaders, funders, local businesses, and volunteers to develop new strategies to sustain a higher level of community use of and influence over Leeds’ green spaces in the long-term.

Who we work with

We collaborate with changemakers at all levels, from community volunteers to local authority leaders. Our community empowerment model is supported by a movement of more than seventy grassroots groups that share our ambitions for the city’s green spaces. We work in partnership with Leeds City Council who own and manage much of the public green space in Leeds, and Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Forum which provides a voice for community activists who care about local green spaces.

We are grateful to local funders who make our work possible. Many of our programmes are made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.

Where we work

We are a city-wide charity focussing resource on those areas that stand to gain the most from our support. We are currently working across six priority parks, highlighted on the map below. As our offer evolves, we are keen to hear from other communities hoping to unlock the potential of their local green space. If you are interested in working with us to drive positive change for your neighbourhood, please get in touch on info@loveleedsparks.org.uk