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Small actions make a big difference: 5 ways to support your local park this summer

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 08:33

[Photos: Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks]

As summer arrives and more people head outdoors, the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks are encouraging residents and visitors to help protect and care for local green spaces with a simple but powerful message: 'small actions make a big difference'.

There are 5 simple steps the group are encouraging everyone to take to help everyone enjoy the riverside responsibly while keeping it beautiful for wildlife, families, and future generations.

1. Volunteer and get involved

One of the most direct ways to make a difference is by volunteering with the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks to care for local green spaces. Volunteers are warmly welcomed at regular community sessions on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings in The Riverside Gardens

These sessions are a friendly way to meet others, enjoy the outdoors, and actively support conservation and maintenance work along the riverside.

2. Become a member to support ongoing work

Membership is another vital way to support the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks ongoing work. Contributions help fund conservation projects, habitat care, community activities, and practical improvements across Ilkley’s riverside green spaces, including areas around the River Wharfe.

3. Leave no trace

Visitors are encouraged to follow the simple principle “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.” Please help keep Ilkley’s riverside green spaces clean and welcoming by taking all litter home and leaving the environment as tidy as possible.

4. Follow posted rules and enjoy responsibly

FoIRP reminds everyone to respect local signage and guidance. This includes not swimming in unsafe areas and not using barbecues along the banks of the Wharfe where bylaws prohibits them. These rules are in place to protect both people and the fragile riverside environment so everyone can continue to enjoy the space safely.

5. Report issues promptly

If you notice any problems, such as broken equipment, vandalism, or dangerously low-hanging branches, please report them as soon as possible to Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Early reporting helps ensure hazards are addressed quickly and keeps public spaces safe for all.

A spokesperson from the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks said:

“Ilkley’s riverside is a shared space that belongs to everyone, and its wellbeing depends on the small, everyday choices people make. Whether it’s taking litter home, respecting wildlife, following on-site guidance, or simply pausing to notice the environment around you, those actions add up to something significant.

"We’re grateful to everyone who supports the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks – through volunteering, membership, or considerate use of the park – because it’s that collective care that keeps these green spaces thriving for the whole community.”

For further information about the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks and how to join the group, visit the website: https://friends-of-ilkley-riverside-parks.com/

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