New strategy for Leeds’ parks and green spaces

Leeds City Council is proposing a commitment to provide good quality parks and green spaces across the city that are welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

A bold target of planting 50 hectares of woodland per year for the next decade is also to be considered in the strategy which will work towards tackling the climate emergency, alongside a commitment to creating more wildflower meadows and other habitats to allow wildlife to flourish in the city.

Respondents to a council-led consultation said that they would like to see more wildlife and climate-friendly parks, more visitor facilities (such as cafes, playgrounds and sports facilities) and improved access to them.

Salma Arif, executive member for public health and active lifestyles, said: “Being able to spend time outside in our beautiful parks and green spaces was a much-needed lifeline for many people during the coronavirus pandemic. Having somewhere to visit and be around nature and greenery has major benefits, not only for our mental health but also our physical health, which is why the commitment to ensuring all our communities have access to quality parks and green spaces is so important.  

“As we look beyond the pandemic, we want our parks to become go-to locations to host an array of diverse and interesting activities and events for adults and children of all different backgrounds to enjoy. We want people to feel encouraged to come together to join our valued volunteers and community groups like ‘In Bloom’ and ‘Friends of’ whose support in maintaining, improving and promoting our parks and green space is invaluable.

“As part of the strategy, we will consider a bold target of planting 50 hectares of woodland per year, this will work towards achieving the council’s ambitions of reducing carbon, improving air quality and achieving carbon neutral status by 2030.”