THE Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks (FOIRP) have started work on creating new flowerbeds at the Riverside Garden’s Memorial area to boost visitors’ wellbeing following the easing of lockdown.
“We are aware it’s been a tough time for everyone during the pandemic and we felt it would be great to put a smile back on people’s faces and to create a beautiful area for contemplation and enjoyment around the War Memorial at Riverside Gardens,” said Ed Duguid, Chairman of the Friends. “We have extensive plans to improve the whole of the embankment area surrounding the Memorial. However, phase 1 is to focus on the immediate area around the memorial itself, and we are pleased the Council has given us permission to proceed with the first part of our plan. Hopefully, those who have been watching our work will now know where we are focusing our efforts.”
FOIRP have been supported by a group of local landscape gardeners led by Helen Taylor, who have donated their time and expertise for free. The group has provided an exciting planting scheme. In addition, they have been able to donate some plants through their contacts and FOIRP are grateful to local Co-op members who helped them raise over £4,000 last year. Over £2,500 of new plants and shrubs will be planted in the area.
Ilkley-born gardener and TV personality Alan Titchmarsh, who started his gardening apprenticeship in Ilkley, has agreed to officially open the new flowerbeds later in the year. In honour of this the group will be planting a rose, named after him, Rosa Alan Titchmarsh, as a centrepiece in one of the beds.
FOIRP continue to litter pick twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays and have just launched a new ‘2 Minute Litter Pick Station’, outside the Riverside Hotel, where anyone can borrow a litter picker and litter bag and do a quick litter pick.
“Of course it is all very well people picking up litter, what we really need a massive change in culture, so visitors to the parks do not feel they can just drop litter or alternatively just try to stuff it into overfull bins which then falls to the ground and is blown around the parks,” added Ed. “If the bins are full they need to take it home and pop it in their own bin. We will also continue with cleaning and repainting bins and benches, trimming the paths and working with the Council to make the parks as good as we can manage.
“Our other projects will continue, which will see the further development wildflower areas, new maps which have been designed by a local artist, will be going up soon and of course the further development of the embankment entrance area off New Brook Street.”
FOIRP is a registered charity and welcomes new members. You can join and see what the group is doing at: https://friends-of-ilkley-riverside-parks.com/
If you have any questions or ideas about the parks, you can also email the chairman of FOIRP at: foirp2@gmail.com
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