Grass roots: How one charity has transformed Aysgarth Walk Park

If you walked through Aysgarth Walk Park 12 months ago, you would have seen an empty green space. It was quiet, uninviting, and easy to pass by without a second thought.

- by Jennifer Cartwright

St Vincent's Centre Leeds made it their mission to change this. With the support of Leeds City Council, Groundwork Yorkshire and the people of Leeds, they've transformed the area into a vibrant community hub which is open, welcoming and accessible to all.

The project began in September last year when St Vincent's - a community support centre based in East Leeds and run by the St Vincent de Paul Society - received £20,000 from the Leeds City Council Levelling Up Fund to turn the park into an environment that could enrich the community.

The regeneration had two key dimensions. One focused on enhancing the park's appearance and the other on turning the space into a place that can be used by local people.

Building benches and planting an orchard, wildflowers and bulbs has brought colour and life to Aysgarth Walk Park and made it into an area where adults want to sit and kids want to play.

Meanwhile, the installation of planters has enabled locals to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs that can be used in their kitchens or in the St Vincent's food pantry.