Volunteers help keep Mid Sussex parks green and clean

Green Space Action Team volunteers, led by Glendale’s Countryside Rangers, combine their passion for nature and the outdoors with practical projects to cultivate and develop local parks, open spaces and nature reserves.

As part of a reciprocally beneficial arrangement, while the volunteers help with seasonal practical tasks like deadhedging, weeding and mulching, in return Glendale’s Rangers provide unique opportunities for important community connection, physical activity and the mental health benefits of working in beautiful spaces while learning new skills.

Launched in March, the Green Space Action Team meets weekly in different locations, currently focusing on Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath, and now has 30 volunteers. The experienced Rangers provide guidance and training and the tools needed for the various practical tasks, along with advice on species identification for local flora and fauna. The volunteers, who span all ages and life stages, bring their own skills and enthusiasm, and have made a significant positive difference, helping Glendale and the Council better maintain the spaces they manage.

Mid Sussex District Council and Glendale would like to thank the current volunteers, and welcome other interested residents to consider joining. Together, popular local spaces including Victoria Park, Beech Hurst and St John’s Park have continued to be recognised for their quality and biodiversity, and through national Green Flag certification. There are activities for all levels of ability and fitness, so everyone is welcome. Residents can get in touch with the Glendale Rangers and turn up at the Thursday sessions, running 10am-12 noon. Tools and gloves are provided, together with refreshments. Please wear suitable clothing and boots.

One of the Green Spaces volunteers reflected: “Working alongside like-minded people who care so much about the park environment is rewarding. They’re so pleasant to be with. Equally, being outdoors and the physical contact with trees and plants is uplifting. Seeing our finished work and the big difference it makes to the well-being of the land and appreciation of park users is quite special.”

Anyone interested can find further information or join the mailing list for future dates and locations by emailing: [email protected].