Tucked away between the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park is designed to increase biodiversity within the city centre and encourage more people to experience the wellbeing benefits of spending time by water. It has been created through a partnership between theCanal & River Trust charity, Leeds City Council and environmental organisation Groundwork.
Becca Dent, strategic delivery programme manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see this project realised after many years of hard work. We have revitalised an overgrown site, once full of invasive species and discarded litter, to create a welcoming green haven, that brings the countryside into the city, encouraging wildlife to thrive in the heart of Leeds.”
She added: “With the cost of maintaining the ageing 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales increasing, the continued support of our partners and volunteers is more important than ever as we protect and preserve our 250-year-old waterways. We would love to hear from individuals and businesses keen to help look after this new waterside pocket park.”
Initial funding for the park has come from the council's city centre enhancements fund along, plus with money from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government’s Pocket Park Fund and The Veolia Environmental Trust’s Landfill Communities Fund. Visit the Canal & River Trust website to find out more about how you can support Leeds Pocket Park through volunteering or making a donation.
1. Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park
The Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park project has transformed an overgrown area that was full of invasive species and discarded litter. Photo: Steve Riding
2. Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park
Stretching 230 metres in length, it is the city’s longest linear waterfront park. Photo: Steve Riding
3. Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park
It sits between the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, with access from the canal towpath. Photo: Steve Riding
4. Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park
The park features trees, wildflowers, seasonal plants, grassland and viewpoint areas, with a wildlife and project information board. Photo: Steve Riding
5. Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park
A footpath weaves through the middle of the park, with public seating areas also dotted along the route. Photo: Steve Riding
6. Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park
The official opening took place on March 31 and was followed by a free family fun day on April 1. Picture having fun at the event are four-year-old Brody Smart and six-year-old Jack Hudson. Photo: Steve Riding