Friends of Parks Groups are the voice of their local parks! These independent, volunteer-led groups work with local authorities to enhance, improve, and promote our green spaces. Inclusive and diverse, they represent the whole community, solve problems, raise awareness, and secure funding for vital park improvements beyond what local authorities can provide.

South and West London is rich in green spaces—from parks and nature reserves to community orchards and allotments, managed by both local authorities and organizations like the National Trust and Kew Gardens.
Community involvement is essential to protect these areas! If you’re looking to start or grow a project, fundraise, or connect with others, we’re here to help.
We support environmental groups across Richmond, Hounslow and Kingston.

Thinking of forming or already part of a Friends Group? Habitats & Heritage can support by:

• Constitution advice: we provide templates for constitutions and policies
• 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
• Crowdfunding: we provide access to our Crowdfunding platform to raise money for projects