Volunteers celebrated for their contribution to our parks
Dozens of volunteers who donate their time to help keep parks and green spaces in Brighton & Hove looking their best have seen their efforts celebrated.
More than 120 volunteers recently visited the nature reserve at Waterhall after being invited to a celebratory picnic we hosted together with the Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere.
Brighton & Hove is home to around 3,200 acres of parks and green spaces, so the role played by the volunteers who regularly work alongside our park rangers is vital to maintain the city’s open spaces.
Thousands of hours each year
It is not uncommon for volunteers to donate four or five hours each week, meaning collectively the city benefits from thousands of hours’ support each year.
We were therefore keen to formally thank our volunteers and as well as the thank-you picnic, volunteers were also given a guided tour of the nature reserve and heard expert talks on the Wilding Waterhall and Greening the Cities initiatives.
Greening the Cities is a Living Coast project helping to expand and improve the important network of bee and butterfly banks across Brighton & Hove.
Many of the volunteers who attended the celebration have been involved in maintaining these banks in green spaces around the city over the past 10 years.
Important role in our city
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said: “Our parks play such an important role in our city, helping people get active, spend time with friends and family, relax and experience time in nature.
“Not only are they wonderful places to visit, but they also play a key role in boosting our mental and physical wellbeing, enhancing our biodiversity and providing a home for wildlife to flourish.
“Without our volunteers, our parks and green spaces would not be the places we all enjoy, so it is always lovely to pause and take time to thank them for their efforts and ongoing commitment – and to celebrate all they have achieved.”
Connecting nature, people and heritage
The event was hosted by Changing Chalk, a partnership project led by the National Trust, which connects nature, people and heritage in East Sussex.
It aims to restore and protect the rare chalk grassland on the eastern South Downs, bring histories to life and provide new experiences in the outdoors to those who need it most.
The four-year project is supported by a £2.23 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and made possible thanks to National Lottery players. The project is also supported byplayers of People's Postcode Lottery and The Linbury Trust.
More information on Changing Chalk is available at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/the-changing-chalk-partnership