Friends of Parks groups
Friends of Parks groups are independent voluntary groups set up at community level that work in partnership with the local authority to enhance, improve and promote parks. Inclusive and diverse groups that represent all aspects of the community achieve greater credibility, can help solve problems, increase awareness, and bring in funding for improvements and initiatives not available to the local authority.
South and west London has some amazing green spaces, ranging from local authority managed parks and recreation grounds to nature reserves, community orchards and allotments as well as sites managed by the National Trust, English Heritage, Royal Parks, Kew Gardens and many independent organisations and charities.
Local authorities in the UK have no legal duty to provide for or look after parks and green spaces so community involvement is a vital way to protect and enhance these vital green spaces.
If you are looking to set up a new project, expand and grow an existing one, network, fundraise or troubleshoot issues then talk to us about how we can help.
We provide extensive support to environmental groups in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and run the quarterly Hounslow Friends of Parks’ Groups Forum. We also work with groups in Ealing and Kingston. To find a group near you see our Partners, groups and friends of parks group page.
Habitats & Heritage can support by:
- Equipment supply: we can loan litter pickers, hoops and Hi-Viz vests; bat recording equipment; PA system for events
- Provide a mailing address for your group
- Hold funds for your group
- Communication: we advertise funding opportunities, group events, and volunteer opportunities through our newsletter, website and social media
- Networking: we hold a Friends Forum every 3 months to share ideas and best practice
- Fundraising: we share funding opportunities and support groups with applications
- Training: we offer risk assessment training to support insurance compliance, social media training and website maintenance training for groups
- Volunteer recruitment: we create opportunities to increase volunteer engagement through advertising specific roles and working with youth or corporate groups
- Constitution advice: we provide templates for constitutions and policies
- Crowdfunding: we provide access to our Crowdfunding platform to raise money for projects
If you are looking for support in starting or developing a group, please get in contact with groups@habitatsandheritage.org.uk
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