Bromley Friends Forum

Bromley’s Friends Forum, was established in 2005 to allow groups to share ideas and support one another.

The Parks Youth Advisory Panel was established last year to work alongside the Council’s Parks team to deliver better quality parks and open spaces.

Friends of parks groups exist for the Bromley's Park and Open Spaces Friends Forum, Bromley Town Parks and Gardens, Bromley Volunteer Ranger Service, Biggin Hill, Chislehurst Conservators, Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Harvington, Hayes Parks, Hayes Common, Hollydale Park, St Georges Churchyard, Jubilee Park, Kelsey Park, Poverest Park, Priory Gardens, Scadbury Park, Royston Field, Whitehall Recreation Ground and the Youth Advisory Panel.

At a series of recent 'roadshows' around the Borough, park custodians were on hand to raise awareness of local green spaces and recruit new volunteers. The events were part of a series designed to promote the benefits of being a ‘friend’ of a park and how residents can get involved in making their green space a better place. Residents can contact the Council to find out more and see how they can get involved in one of the 19 established groups.

“We are looking for enthusiastic individuals, young and old, with an interest in taking action to benefit their local community. The tasks on offer are diverse, there is something to suit everyone. From practical projects protecting wildlife, to organising events to raise a park’s profile, all are welcome.” said Howard Clark, Chairman of the boroughs Friends Forum.

The events encouraged passers-by to stop and find out more. Members of the Friends Forum, plus younger members of the Parks Youth Advisory Panel (aged 12 -16 years), were on hand to share their experiences of the type of activities volunteers can get involved with and to listen to views on how our parks could be improved.

Currently, over 2,000 dedicated volunteers belong to the Borough’s ‘Friends’ groups, taking postitive action to enhance their local park or open space. A total of four events took place in the Spring and early Summer - in Bromley Town Centre, Orpington, Penge and Biggin Hill (see July Newsletter above). The events were funded by an 'Awards for All' Lottery Grant of £5,000 awarded to the Friends Forum.

If you are interested in becoming a ‘Friend’ or would like further information on the Borough’s green spaces, please call 020 8313 4471 or email landscape.helpdesk@bromley.gov.uk.