Why Leeds’ green spaces are more important than ever
Many Leeds residents will have walked, played or exercised on Wade’s land without even knowing its name
It’s the charity which provides a health service without a waiting room.
Many Leeds residents will have walked, played or exercised on land owned by Wade Charity without even knowing its name
The charity owns 213 hectares, or 526 acres, of public green space in and around Leeds, including land at Middleton Park, Beckett Park, Gott’s Park, Gledhow Valley Woods and Kirkstall Abbey Park, as well as playing fields and recreation grounds across the city including Rodley, Adel, Armley, Osmondthorpe, East Leeds, Cross Green, Hunslet and Burmantofts.
Calling these places part of a "Natural Health Service" is more than a slogan. Research shows that parks, woods and playing fields can encourage movement, ease stress, build social contact and reduce some of the environmental pressures of city life. They are free at the point of use and, when close to home, available without an appointment.
Wade’s says its role is to help keep this everyday health service available not only to people using it now, but to the children who will become tomorrow’s adults.
The charity also awards grants to organisations that provide recreation and improve public open space, with priority for projects serving disadvantaged communities. In that sense, stewardship is not simply holding title to land. It is helping turn acreage into places where people feel able to arrive, take part and belong.
The charity began with Thomas Wade’s 1530 bequest for the upkeep of highways around Leeds.
When roads became a local-authority responsibility, its purpose evolved.
From the end of the 19th century it acquired land to provide open space for recreation, health and well-being in a fast-growing industrial city. Most of the land is now leased on long term leases to the council and maintained for public use.
* To find out more about Wade’s Green Spaces visit: www.wadescharity.org/green-spaces/