By John Baron
Green-fingered volunteers are helping to improve the infrastructure and ecological diversity of Kirkstall Abbey Park.
The Friends of Kirkstall Abbey Park have already made a real difference to improving the parkland around the historic Abbey and museum by planting trees and wildflower meadows.
One of the most recent additions to the park is a community orchard of some 53 apple, pear, plum and hazel trees, with the aim of the community being able to pick the fruit and the Friends also holding juicing sessions.
Member Alan Crump says activities like tree planting are like having a workout in a ‘green gym’, with the added bonus of getting to meet new people and make new friends.
“It’s a great community asset,” said Mr Crump. “It’s a lovely place and hopefully we can make it even better, with more variety and diversity. We hope to encourage people to come here more often.”
As well as carrying out projects in the park, the Friends also see themselves as champions for it.
“We also have a role in putting pressure on the council to match up to their green plans, although they don’t necessarily have the resources to live up to it,” Mr Crump added. “It’s our job to be fair and diplomatic as we encourage them to make their spaces as ecologically diverse as possible.”
Volunteers have been busy digging beds just off the A65 for a wildflower bank, which they hope will further encourage insects, bees and small animals – as well as encouraging local people to make more use of the park.
Mr Crump says Kirkstall’s councillors have been very supportive towards the group, who are actively encouraging more people to join them, in light if the recent successful campaign to save Abbey House Museum from closure, which was high profile and has renewed people’s interest in the area.
The Friends, who boast around 15 members, aren’t the only group working in the area. Members of Hyde Park Source can be found most Wednesdays tending the memorial gardens next to the Abbey House Museum.
Mr Crump says the Friends have also forged close relationships with the Leeds Pétanque Club, which is located in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey Park, next to the Vesper Gate pub.
The Friends have also benefited from a £5,000 donation from Morley Glass, and are always grateful for donations.
- For more information, or to join the Friends, e-mail friendsofkap@gmail.com or check out the Friends’ Facebook page. Events can be found on Eventbrite and donations can be made here.
- For more local events, check out WLD‘s what’s on section.
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