The Friends of Bramley Park group is making a positive difference to the park, attendees at this week’s Bramley and Stanningley Forum were told.
The group is run by volunteers and 2026 has seen group become more established.
Member India Sida-Murray, a horticulturist, and Councillor Kevin Ritchie (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) who is actively involved with the group’s activities, spoke at last night’s Bramley Forum meeting, which was held in the Eric Atkinson building.
The Friends’ current focus is the park’s Walled Garden, where volunteers have undertaken:
- Spring bulb planting
- Wildflower planting
- Drought-tolerant planting schemes
- Replacement of lavender with nepeta to improve support for pollinators
The group has held three to four volunteer sessions but has found it challenging to recruit people who can attend regularly and make a long-term commitment.
The longer-term vision is to develop the Walled Garden into a community garden, promoting wellbeing through green therapy and working with local organisations such as Bramley Elderly Action on community gardening and garden art projects.
The group would also like to install information signage in the future.
For more information on events and dates – and to get involved with the group – visit the Friends’ website. You can also search for them on Facebook.
Parking issues
Residents raised concerns regarding parking issues on Waterloo Lane, including vehicles parking across driveways and on pavements. This is also affecting bus services, as buses are unable to pull up properly to the kerb at designated bus stops, making access difficult for passengers, particularly those with mobility issues.
PCSOs confirmed they can issue tickets where vehicles are causing an obstruction. It was suggested that a nearby piece of land, owned by the shopping centre, could potentially be used for parking to help address the issue. Ward Members agreed to explore this possibility.
Moorfields Market
Forum attendees heard Bramley Moorfields Market takes place on the third Sunday of every month in Bramley park and continues to provide a valuable community-focused event.
Organisations, including Bramley Baths and BARCA, regularly participate.
The market organisers are keen to increase involvement from local schools and create opportunities for young people to participate.
The market is predominantly food-focused, with a small number of craft stalls. It provides a welcoming environment where residents can socialise and support local businesses.
Organisers are currently exploring new ways to promote the market and increase visitor numbers. Local honey producers continue to be a popular attraction.
Clean ups
The council’s Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team told the forum that approximately 75% of their time is spent dealing with fly-tipping issues.
The team highlighted the invaluable contribution made by volunteer groups such as the Bramley Wombles. Community groups in the Snowdens and Landseers areas have also undertaken significant environmental improvement work and continue to make a positive difference within their neighbourhoods.
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