The Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks [FOIRP] are celebrating another highly successful year of improvements to Ilkley’s much-loved riverside green spaces, while inviting new volunteers to join them in caring for the parks in the year ahead.
The FOIRP volunteers have delivered a wide range of enhancements across Ilkley’s Riverside Gardens and surrounding green spaces, helping to improve accessibility, biodiversity and the overall visitor experience
Over the past year, volunteers have worked year-round on litter picking, planting, pruning, watering flowerbeds during last summer’s dry weather, maintaining paths and repairing and repainting benches. Alongside this regular maintenance, several significant projects were completed, including renovating benches, repainting bins, and the replanting of the flowerbed adjacent to New Brook Street.
One of the standout achievements was the installation and planting of two new circular planters near the Riverside Hotel, supported by funding from Ilkley Town Council. Not only do the new circular planters enhance the visual appearance of this area but the new flowerbeds also act as a visual and physical barrier between the carpark and adjacent seating area.
Doug Mowat, the trustee who has led this project said:
“Looking back just a few years, it has been incredible to see the changes made to this popular area of the park. When we started, the original wooden-framed flower beds were rotten and in a very poor state of repair. We have now successfully replaced the raised beds with a stone border, and the addition of these new circular planters between the larger beds finishes off what has been a really key project since we started.”
The charity has continued to place a strong emphasis on environmental improvement and biodiversity. Wildflower areas have been expanded and enhanced, while a section of the river embankment has been rewilded in partnership with Bradford Council and local environmental groups. Early results are already visible, with wildlife returning to the area, including sightings of otters along the riverbank
Tom Harris, one of the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks Trustees said:
“None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our fantastic volunteers and the generous support of local people, businesses and organisations. The improvements made over the past year show what can be achieved when the community comes together.”
2025 saw the launch of the charities membership scheme and this has proved a huge success with local residents signing up to show support for the organisation alongside local business including Lawn Force and Silverspring Sales & Lettings.
Looking ahead to 2026, FOIRP plans further planting projects as part of the ongoing restoration of areas of the embankments at the east end of the Riverside Gardens as well as the reinstatement of a former rose garden, alongside continued maintenance of the parks for the benefit of all users.
To support this work, the charity is actively encouraging new volunteers to get involved. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome, with work parties held twice a week throughout the year. No specialist skills are required, and all activities are risk assessed, with tools and guidance provided.
“Whether you can give a few hours occasionally or would like to be more regularly involved, volunteering with FOIRP is a great way to give something back, meet new people and help protect one of Ilkley’s most important shared spaces,”
commented Ed Duguid, the charities chairperson.
Anyone interested in volunteering, becoming a member, or supporting the charity’s work is encouraged to get in touch via social media or by emailing foirp2@gmail.com for more information.
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