Volunteering in Leeds parks and green spaces

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.

Volunteer opportunities

The main ways to volunteer in our parks and countryside are:

• individually with our teams; visit Volunteer Team Leeds to apply for a range of opportunities
• by getting involved in our woodland creation scheme
• as part of a volunteer group such as ‘Friends of’ groups
• as part of a corporate volunteering group for team building days and social responsibility sessions

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

More 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.

Community In Bloom Groups

There are over 50 local in Bloom groups across Leeds. These volunteers take pride in where they live. They enhance the area, raising funds for flower displays, creating and maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

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 or the Leeds Parks Forum Facebook page. 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, email countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk.

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) at Hollybush

Hollybush in Kirkstall is an environmental volunteering centre that has been running for over 45 years, welcoming people of all backgrounds and experience. 

Hollybush offers volunteering opportunities in nature, adult learning courses, and is an Active Travel Hub. It is also home to The Hollybush Project which runs nature-based activities for adults with learning disabilities.

To find out more, email hollybush@tcv.org.uk or visit The Conservation Volunteers at Hollybush website.

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

We are looking for volunteers to assist the animal team with day-to-day tasks such as preparing and distributing animal feed, cleaning animal enclosures and visitor areas, theming animal enclosures and recording environmental data. We are also looking for volunteers to help us look after the plant collection within Tropical World so if you are interested in gardening and horticulture get in touch. Please note that Tropical World is a very warm and humid environment!

If you are interested in finding out more or applying, view more information on the Tropical World website.