Friends' groups

Members attend a Park It event organised by Friends of Botanic Gardens Did you know that we have a number of friends' groups who help us maintain and promote our parks and open spaces?

These voluntary groups of local people dedicate some of their time, energy and effort to caring for and improving their local area. Anyone can join a friends' group and is welcome to give as much or as little of their time as they want.

Our friends' groups often get involved in activities such as organising local events in parks, litter picking, fundraising and helping us shape the future development of our parks.

Friends of Botanic Gardens

The Friends of Botanic Gardens group meets on the first Thursday of each month and always welcomes new members. Call 028 9031 4762 for further details.

To celebrate National Tree Week 2011, we have worked with the group to create the Friends of Botanic Gardens Tree Trail. The trail promotes 20 rare and colourful trees from all corners of the world, ranging from the majestic dawn redwood from China to the Irish yew found in Fermanagh in the 1780s.

The scenic landscape of Botanic Gardens has proven popular with residents, students and tourists alike over the years, and the tree trail is a great opportunity to discover the many different and interesting trees which grow within Belfast. Many were planted in the 19th century when the gardens first opened.

To follow the tree trail, simply pick up a Botanic Gardens leaflet within the park and start the trail at the Malone Road gate, beside the statue of Lord Kelvin.

Friends of Belmont Park

All park users and prospective new members are welcome to attend. For more information, email friendsofbelmontpark@gmail.com

Friends of Orangefield Park

We're setting up a friends' group for Orangefield Park and want you to get involved.

If you’re interested in finding out more, call Lynne McCreery, Community Parks Outreach Manager, on 07721 537436 or email mccreeryl@belfastcity.gov.uk

Friends of the Waterworks

We have reformed Friends of the Waterworks and want you to get involved. If you're interested in finding out more, call Paula Irvine, Community Parks Outreach Manager, on 07917 132710 or email irvinep@belfastcity.gov.uk

Cave Hill Conservation Campaign

For more information about this group, visit www.cavehillconservation.org

Other groups

Friends of Grove Wellbeing Park

For details, call 028 9032 0202 (extension 3641).

Friends of Falls Park

For details, call Michael Culbert on 07917 543626 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm).

Friends of Woodvale Park

For details, call Paula Irvine, Community Parks Outreach Manager, on 07917 132710 or email irvinep@belfastcity.gov.uk

Friends of the zoo

For details, call 028 9077 6277.