It’s Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) and we’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers and community groups whose actions make a huge difference to Knowsley’s parks and green spaces.
Every day volunteers are making a difference in all walks of life in communities across Knowsley.
Last year community and conservation groups, as well as ‘friends of’ parks volunteers, spent a total of 25,500 hours making sure our parks and green spaces are looking their best and are safe places for everyone to enjoy. There are over 51 groups who work tirelessly in our parks.
Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Shelley Powell said: “Knowsley’s parks and greenspaces are fantastic places to visit, and we value and appreciate all the time and effort our local volunteers spend ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and looking after the green spaces we love.
“So taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate and recognise their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities has never been more important.”
Here are just a few that you may have heard of:
Halewood
Halewood Conservation Volunteers – This friendly group meet every Wednesday at Halewood Environment Centre from 10am and carry out various practical tasks around the park. All equipment and training is provided.
Court Farm Woods Association – The association creates natural habitats and maintains the native flowers a trees. They meet regularly in the woods.
For more information contact Halewood Green Space Ranger on 0151 488 6151.
Kirkby
Friends of Saxon Green and Charlotte Pagsy – The friends group work together to help make improvements to the park and surrounding areas as well providing events and activities for the local community.
Friends of Littledale Meadow – The Volunteers meet regularly and organise clean-up and litter pick events and family fun days.
For information on how to get involved contact The Kirkby Green Space Ranger on 0151 443 4395
Eco Therapy Gardens – Based in Towerhill, Eco Therapy Gardens provides mental wellness support through growing, skill building and outdoor activities. During the last year, the group’s volunteer mental health counsellors provided more than 500 hours of counselling to Knowsley residents, as well as offering a men’s health suicide prevention programme and online tips on managing mental health.
To find out more contact Ange on 07913651814 https://www.facebook.com/theecotherapygarden
Huyton
The Friends of Court Hey Park – The group helps organise seasonal events, takes part in conservation activities, supports environmental and habitat developments and surveys, and gets involved in tree and bulb planting. Group meetings take place on the first Monday of each month (except Bank Holidays) at 1.30pm in the Friends meeting room in the Courtyard at Court Hey Park.
Court Hey Volunteers – The volunteers meet every Wednesday morning at 10am in the Friends Room at Court Hey Park and help to keep the park areas clean, tidy and safe. They also do some light maintenance work around the park.
Contact the Huyton Ranger on 0151 443 4114 for further information.
Incredible Edible Knowsley CIC. – Incredible Edible are based in Court Hey Park and provides activities such as, growing food, therapeutic horticulture, training days and community workshops as well as family events. They also support the community by providing plants, seeds and food for local residents and schools.
Learn more about Incredible Edible Knowsley. For further information contact Karen Mower on 07925 529585.
Huyton Juniors FC, Jubilee Park, Huyton – The team of volunteers not only run football sessions, matches and coaching but also maintain the grassed areas, mark out pitches and host charity events. They work on the park and football pitches to ensure they are the required standard for junior football to take place.
For more information on how to volunteer for Huyton Juniors please contact them through there Facebook pages (20+) Huyton Juniors Fc | Facebook
Prescot/Whiston/Cronton and Knowsley Village
Friends of Stadt Moers Park – The Friends help to ensure the park is well maintained and safe by clearing pathways and cycle ways – in readiness for the many local sporting events it hosts, including Parkrun each Saturday morning, Born to Run’s Tour of Merseyside and NW Cyclo-Cross. They meet in the Environment Centre on the first Wednesday of month Wednesdays: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Stadt Moers Conservation Group – volunteers take part in Environmental Task Days to help with conservation activities around the park and lake. They meet each Tuesday between 10am and 12pm.
Contact the PWCKV Green Space Ranger on 0151 443 2485 for more information.
Friends of Eaton Street Park – The Friends group hold community events, cleansing and litter patrols and many other community-based activities, such as their tea in the park sessions every Sunday from 2pm till 4pm at the Pavilion. They also operate a Community Food Club every Wednesday from 11.30am – 1.45pm.
Visit the ‘Friends of’ website, or for more information about regular events and activities held in the park click here.
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in volunteering at any of Knowsley’s parks, finding out more about ‘friends’ groups or maybe starting your own group, please download and complete a copy of our Greenspace Volunteer Expression of Interest form and email it to the Environmental Sustainability Services team at ess.enquiries@knowsley.gov.uk
For more information about parks and green spaces in Knowsley visit our website