What is a ‘Friends’ group

‘Friends’ are voluntary groups of local residents, workers or visitors who dedicate some of their time, energy and effort to caring for and improving their local park, garden or open space. Anyone can join a ‘Friends’ group and give as much or as little time as they want.


What do ‘Friends’ groups do?

‘Friends’ groups can offer valuable insights into their local green spaces and are often instrumental in helping to meet the aspirations of the local community. Such partnerships work to help make our green spaces safe, clean and well-maintained popular assets. The Council aims to build trusting relationships with community groups and engage in effective, regular communication. We regularly meet, liase, support and work in partnership with them.


Activities & achievements include:

• annual community events
• ‘friends' groups get involved in current and topical consultations
• worked with the council to improve facilities
• tackling anti-social behaviour in parks
• community planting days

Where’s my nearest Friends Group?

Lowestoft:

• Bonds Meadow Association
• Corton Woodland Group
• Gunton Woodland Community Project
• Harebell Way Neighbourhood Watch
• Kirkley Street Neighbourhood Watch
• Lowestoft In Bloom
• Oulton Broad In Bloom

Beccles:

• Friends of Townlands Green

Halesworth

• Halesworth Millennium Green Trust

Contact us

If you would like to contact your local ‘Friends’ group or you are thinking of setting up a new one for a Green Space in Waveney, we would like to hear from you.
Email: parks@waveney.gov.uk  
Telephone: 01502 523572


Further information

We also have a dedicated community development team who can advise and assist anybody looking to set up a group or access funding.