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:
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 external link.
Leeds Cemetery Volunteers
Leeds Cemetery Volunteers meet on the first and third Friday of the month in cemeteries across the city.
Tasks include practical works to improve these culturally significant sites for the benefit of visitors and local wildlife.
To find out more, contact Nick Denman by phone on 0113 378 8102 or email
nicholas.denman@leeds.gov.uk.
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 external link or the
Leeds Parks Forum Facebook page external link. 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 external link.
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
Duties will involve assisting the animal team with some of the routine day-to-day tasks required to run the Tropical World animal collection. This includes but is not limited to, preparing and distributing animal feed, cleaning animal enclosures and visitor areas, theming animal enclosures, recording environmental data and much much more.
If you're interested in finding out more or applying, view more information on the Tropical World website external link.
Contact us
Get in touch if you are interested in longer term volunteer opportunities or work placements based in Leeds parks and green spaces.
Email
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