Parks and gardens friends' groups

Friends are voluntary groups of local residents, workers or visitors who dedicate some of their time, energy and effort to caring for and improving their local park, garden or open space.

Anyone can join a friends group and give as much or as little time as they want. Friends groups always need new volunteers, whether it's to help organise an event, get stuck in with some planting or just to attend meetings to contribute to plans for the local park.

Where's my nearest friends' group?

• contact your local parks and gardens friends' group

We value our friends' groups input into the management of parks and open spaces. Such partnerships work to help make our parks safe, clean and well-maintained popular assets to the community. We aim to build trusting relationships with community groups and engage in effective regular communication.

Friends' group activities and achievements

• annual community events at several parks (including St George’s Day at St George’s Gardens and Christmas Carols at St Martin’s Gardens)
• St Benets and Fortune Green friends groups raised enough money through bid applications to restore their local spaces
• Annual Open Garden Squares weekend, several friends' groups organise their own activities to attract and entertain visitors - middle weekend of June
• several groups offer historical tours for the public
• friends' groups get involved in current and topical consultations
• worked with the council to improve facilities
• helped tackle antisocial behaviour in parks
• planting wild flower meadows
• community planting days
• parks activity day

Other volunteering opportunities

• volunteering in Camden
• BTCV Green Gym

Contact

If you would like to contact your local friends' group in Camden or are thinking of setting up a new one, please contact the parks engagement manager