Welcome to Parkinson’s Park

Posted on May 10, 2017 by

Parkinsons ParkParkinson’s Park sits on the hillside behind the old Crompton Parkinson site on Netherfield Road: access is via entrances on Kelcliffe Lane, Greenshaw Terrace, Parkinson Way, Nethercliffe Crescent and Hillside Avenue.  This historic area was given to the people of Guiseley to use as a park by Frank & Albert Parkinson in the 1930’s: it has been used for walks, play, and events ever since .   Now owned by Bellway Homes, basic maintenance is done by Meadfleet   The Friends of Parkinson’s Park CIC (FOPP) was set up to once again make the Park an attractive green space for community use and events, whilst helping to manage its varied natural habitats.    On these pages you can read the history, examine the ecology and sign up to follow and comment on progress – as well as tell us your own stories of the park.

Advertisements
Posted in Uncategorized

Parkinson’s Park Children’s Gala 2019 – 1st September

Posted on June 30, 2019 by
Invitations just arrived for the 2019 Children’s Gala
Image | Posted on June 30, 2019 by

Another Firework Spectacle

Posted on June 30, 2019 by

Another excellent event to end the Tales Told Festival 2019 by Codswallop CIC.

Image | Posted on June 30, 2019 by

Fireworks Tonight

Posted on June 29, 2019 by

Don’t Forget

Fireworks in the Park

Tonight 10pm

TALES TOLD FESTIVAL

Posted in Uncategorized

Cycling in the Park

Posted on June 23, 2019 by

This is NOT an official notice that has been put up by either owners Bellway, Management Company Meadfleet, or the Friends of Parkinson’s Park.  In line with Leeds BYELAWS FOR PLEASURE GROUNDS, PUBLIC WALKS AND OPEN SPACES, which the Park has adopted, cycling is not allowed unless there is a designated route – there are no such designated routes.   Anyone injuring themselves on a cycle would not be covered by any public liability insurance,  thus this sign is very misleading and dangerous.

Cycling

16. No person shall without reasonable excuse ride a cycle in the ground except in any part of the ground where there is a right of way for cycles or on a designated route for cycling

If people want to create insect hibernaculum they are welcome to do so, and should contact the Friends first to make arrangements.

 

Posted in Facilities

Notice from Codswallop Re the Tales Told Finale and Fireworks

Posted on June 23, 2019 by

“The Tales Told festival kicked off in truly chaotic style today 22nd June, and we’re here to give you a little warning for the end of our festival!”

“On the 29th June between 8-10pm we’re having our annual Festival Finale extravaganza at Parkinsons Park! A fantastic evening of family fun and good vibes  that will come to a spectacular climax by Optimum Fireworks!”

“Between 10-10:15pm there will be a short but explosive firework display… just a heads up! Can you help us out by spreading the word far and wide so everyone who needs to know knows?? Thanks pals!”

See you there!

For more information on the Tales Told Festival all the events and the Finale see the Codswallop Facebook Page here.

Posted in Events

2nd Guiseley Guides Upgade Suzannah’s Meadow

Posted on May 16, 2019 by

2nd Guiseley Guides planting the wildflower meadow

On a beautiful May evening yesterday the 2nd Guiseley Guides and their leaders helped the Friends plant out flowers in Suzannah’s Meadow.  This will help build up a nectar rich habitat to encourage bees and butterflies.

Wildflower plan plugs supplied by Leeds City Council Horticultural Grant

When the Bellway Estate was built the Friends suggested that the meadow at the bottom of the Park was restored  – as it had been in the past.   The area was duly landscaped back into a hillside by Bellway with plans passed for a path to come from the estate, up through the meadow and join the Greenshaw Terrace Path.  The area was then planted up with rough grass,  clover, vetch, birdsfoot trefoil and other early meadow establishing plants.   We called it Suzannah’s meadow after the several ladies of that name who owned and farmed the land in past centuries.

Work on the meadow is a long term project of the Friends in conjunction with Meadfleet: a grass path has been cut along the bottom by the fence, joining it up with the central area of the estate for accessibility by less able residents, the planned gate entrance has been opened up for access to work on the meadow, orchard and lower levels of the Park  (with a kissing gate due to go in over the summer).  And, several local estate residents have put up bird boxes supplied by both themselves and Meadfleet, and planted crabapple trees to help pollinate  surrounding fruit trees – one crabapple is in remembrance of a child who died at birth the others for siblings.

The next step is getting rid of the clumps of coarse grass and the planting and cultivation of more varied meadow wildflowers to build up a nectar rich habitat to encourage bees, which in turn will help pollinate the nearby community orchard .

Johanna and Peter Brooks preparing the ground for the wildflowers

Johanna Brooks of Brooks Ecological and Chris Parapia organized last night’s planting event with the 2nd Guiseley Guides, and prepared the ground over the weekend.   The wildflower plugs were obtained by the Friends through a Leeds City Council Horticultural Grant.  The Guides then spent an hour or so planting the plugs in the prepared ground last night, ensuring they were watered and mulched.

The plants now need to be kept watered to establish them and neighbours on the estate have volunteered to help do that.

 

 

Posted in Ecology, Events, Facilities

Growing An Orchard

Posted on May 4, 2019 by

“Within the woodland flow’ry gladed,
By the oak tree’s mossy root,
The shining grass blade timber shaded
Now do quiver on the foot,
And birds do whistle overhead,
And water’s bubbling in its bed,
And there for me the apple tree Do lean down low, in Linden Lea.”
William Barnes

We are lucky to have the help of The Orchard Project to teach us the skills for looking after the fruit trees in the Park. We have both the community orchard which was planted between 2015 and 2018,  and trees that have been planted in various places over the years.

In the winter we learnt how to do both the formative and regenerative pruning.  We are now taking on the spring tasks of mulching and ensuring the right level of fertility.

A Cider Ladies Finger tree pruned in the winter of 2019 and below in flower in May.

Sadly the old horse-chestnut by the Orchard, planted by Parkinsons, had to come down as it was a danger – but we are now using the bark as a mulch which will protect the trees and feed the soil.

We have also been recording the apple blossom from the various trees to help with identifications – especially those we do not know.  For that we have help from the Northern Fruit Growers Association

The White Blossom of Balsam

Our next task is to learn how to scythe the grass over the coming months, as we have been advised that it is much better than strimming – it is also a good exercise.  :-).  Let us know if you’d like to join us in looking after the orchard and learning the old skills, parkinsonspark@gmail.com.

The Parkinson’s Park Apple Day will be on 20th October this year,  with an apple crusher and press for juice, and apple goodies to taste.

Posted in Ecology, Facilities