PEOPLE passionate about Priory Park are being urged to become volunteers to help maintain the green space for years to come.
The Friends of Priory Park (FOPP) group is looking to bolster its ranks with those willing to help with litter-picking, weeding, planting bulbs and creating insect habitats at the popular Great Malvern park.
People are also sought to discuss new ideas to improve the area.
The group works closely with Malvern Hills District Council to support the park’s ongoing developments.
Formed in 2019, FOPP began as a Facebook group called Duck Watch but developed into a committee made up of ten enthusiastic volunteers with various interests and expertise.
The Facebook page, now called Friends of Priory Park Malvern, is a place for people to share their experiences, wildlife sightings, artwork, memories and to also get involved with volunteering.
FOPP runs a free monthly photo competition sponsored by Waitrose where a prize is awarded for the best photo and the group also works with local businesses which provide a second prize for the runner-up.
The plea coincides with the annual Love Parks Week which, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, runs until Sunday, August 1, and asks people to love, respect and protect their parks throughout the summer of 2021 and beyond.
Jill Wytcherley, FOPP Committee Member, said: “It’s a joy for us to be able to work in Priory Park and we are always looking for more volunteers to help with our litter picking and weeding activities, as well as generally supporting us with events.”
Coun Peter Whatley, Malvern Hills District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “It is wonderful to have a group like FOPP working with us that share our passion for Priory Park.
“We have some exciting improvements planned to the park over the coming months so there has never been a better time to get involved. If you have some spare time then I would encourage you to join in and volunteer.”
Catherine Laidlaw, the council’s Parks and Green Space Officer, added: “Our Grounds Maintenance team does a great job at keeping the park clean and tidy and our amazing volunteers add value to what they do.
“FOPP’s knowledge and experience has been invaluable as we make plans and improvements to Priory Park. It would be great to have more people who want to get stuck in and involved with their local park.”
Visit facebook.com/groups/foppmalvern and facebook.com/groups/malvernfoppphotocompetition or email [email protected] for more information about the group.
