By Brigitte Meile
The beautiful 1.5km Gledhow Valley Woods that run between LS8 and LS17 were a much loved haven during lockdown, seeing hundreds of families enjoying the tree swings, wildlife, meadows and lake throughout.

Here’s a chance to come and give some love to this green space, as well as meet great people, and learn and share conservation skills
The Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods (FGVW) are hosting one of their volunteering sessions this Sunday morning from 9:45 to 12:00 lunchtime at Beck Pasture on Gledhow Valley Road (just over half way up on Gledhow Road, if you travel from Roundhay Road to Harrogate Road). They are a friendly bunch, always up for a chat and they give you a choice of activities, so you can pick something that matches your mood and inclination. This Sunday’s activities will include hay removal (vigorous workout), hedgerow maintenance (nice & chatty), pond maintenance (bring your wellies) and litter picking (you’ll be surprised at what you find behind the bushes).

You’ll be well looked after with refreshments at the end of the session: homemade cakes and snacks, tea and coffee.
And how will you feel afterwards? Aching (at times) but simply divine, as you come away from the morning, knowing you nurtured the woods that nurture us and have thinking you really have deserved a Sunday afternoon of putting your feet up.

The friends of Gledhow Valley Woods host a range of brilliant events throughout the year, from bush craft and walking groups, Indian Dance events to festivals and heritage days. Look out for next year’s Climate Action Day festival where the whole road will be closed to cars and full of activities and stalls for all ages.

To find out more, check out the FGVW on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Gledhow-Valley-Woods-FGVW/308508972614493 – or witter: https://twitter.com/FGVWinfo and do let them know if you intend to join the volunteers this Sunday (mail to: adrian.coltman01@btinternet.com)
Photos by Natalie Tharraleos
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