For over a century, Leeds Children’s Charity has been creating lifelong memories for local children. Today, we continue this important work, providing respite breaks and valuable learning experiences here at Lineham Farm, for the most disadvantaged children in Leeds.
One of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal is right on our doorstep – the beautiful green spaces that make up Lineham Farm. Access to safe, natural environments is essential for children’s development and wellbeing. The sad reality is that many children in Leeds don’t get nearly enough time in nature, and we make it our mission provide this vital connection.
Why time outdoors matters for children
In the peaceful surroundings of nature, children don’t just enjoy playing – they thrive in ways that nurture their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The benefits of connecting with green spaces are truly transformative:
- Blowing off steam and exercising: Running through fields, splashing in streams, and cycling through woodland – these activities release tension and promote physical health and development, helping children build strength and resilience.
- Emotional wellbeing: Nature provides peace. It’s a space where children can be themselves, learn to relieve stress, and wonder at the beauty of the world around them. For children with chaotic home lives, it’s a welcome and much-needed respite.
- Building confidence: Trying new outdoor activities gives children a sense of achievement that boosts self-esteem. This is particularly important for children who may struggle in traditional academic settings.
- Problem-solving skills: Whether it’s navigating woodland paths or building a shelter, nature encourages critical thinking and adaptability – skills that serve children well in their day-to-day lives.
- Respect for nature: Early positive experiences in nature create an appreciation for the natural world that can last a lifetime, supporting the next generation of environmentally conscious adults.
In fact, research from The Wildlife Trusts showed that after spending time connecting with nature, 84% of children felt they were capable of doing new things, and 79% reported feeling more confident in themselves.
For children with chaotic home lives, the need for connection with nature is even more acute. The peaceful countryside can provide a much-needed break from stressful home situations, offering a calm and supportive environment where they can relax, have fun, and just be kids.
Green spaces in Leeds: What’s available?
Leeds is fortunate to have a wealth of green spaces, with Leeds City Council managing approximately 4,000 hectares of public green space. This makes Leeds one of the greenest cities in Europe!
The city’s commitment to providing quality green spaces is outlined in the Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Strategy 2022-2032, which sets out a vision “to provide the best parks and green spaces in the UK” within the next decade.
Leeds has 7 major parks, and 63 community parks distributed across the city, aiming to ensure all residents have access to quality green spaces. Currently, 73% of community parks achieve the Leeds Quality Park standard (up from just 22% in 2010).
However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access. Inner-city areas often have fewer green spaces and receive less investment. The Council aims to establish a strategic investment fund to address this imbalance and improve parks in areas of greatest need.
Councillor Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles, highlighted: “The goal of getting all our 63 local community parks to a quality standard is particularly important because they are the sites used most often by Leeds residents, and they are free to access and provide a wide range of facilities so there is something for everyone.” […]
“At a time when health problems like obesity and anxiety are reaching concerning levels in young people across the country, I can’t think of a better goal for a city that aims to be ‘Child-Friendly’ than ‘Providing green spaces that children and teenagers love to visit.”
Free green spaces in Leeds for families
Leeds offers numerous free parks and green spaces perfect for family outings:
- Roundhay Park: One of the largest city parks in Europe, offering vast parkland with lakes, woodlands, and playgrounds. Perfect for picnics, nature walks, and active play.
- Golden Acre Park: This beautiful park features accessible paths, a lake, and stunning gardens. It’s particularly accessible, with mobility scooters available for free hire.
- Meanwood Park: Just four miles north of Leeds City Centre, this park offers woodland walks, streams, meadows, and playground facilities. It forms part of the Meanwood Valley Trail.
- Temple Newsam: This historic estate combines beautiful parkland with formal gardens. Recent developments include new cycle trails, a “learn to ride” area, and playgrounds.
- Cross Flatts Park: A fantastic community park in Beeston containing a large playground, accessible paths and benches, an outdoor gym and sports facilities.
- Springhead Park: Located in Rothwell, this park hosts numerous facilities for children and young people of all ages including a playground, games area, and skatepark.
- Pudsey Park: A much-loved community park featuring a fantastic playground, bowling greens, and beautiful flower displays. The park is known for its popular children’s play area, and it has a skatepark for older children.
- Middleton Park: A large, historic park in south Leeds with woodland, a fishing lake, playgrounds, and a visitor centre. The park hosts regular family events and has excellent walking trails through its beautiful woodland.
- Lotherton: This beautiful country estate offers expansive grounds to explore, woodland walks, and a fantastic playground. While there’s a charge for the Wildlife World and Hall, the park and adventure playground are free to enjoy.
- Kirkstall Abbey: The historic ruins are set in beautiful parkland beside the River Aire, with plenty of space for picnics and games.
- Chevin Forest Park: Located in Otley, this woodland park offers stunning views, natural play areas, and walking trails perfect for adventurous families.
Discover your local park!
In addition to these large destination parks, Leeds has lots of fantastic community parks and green spaces that are easy to access and completely free to enjoy. There’s a handy look up tool on the Leeds City Council website:
Visit the local park page to find yours
Lineham Farm: A vital haven for Leeds children
While we’ve explored how Leeds is a thriving city when it comes to green space, the sad reality is that not every child is afforded the same access. Proximity to local parks doesn’t equate with safe and supervised time spent there. We work hard to counter this by creating opportunities for vulnerable children to visit Lineham Farm on respite breaks and residentials.
For children who might not otherwise have the chance to experience nature, Lineham Farm is a lifeline. Through our residential breaks, we connect young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the city with nature and provide formative outdoor experiences.
If you can support our work and help more children access nature, please consider getting involved. Whether through donations, volunteering, or fundraising, together we can brighten children’s lives by opening the door to the great outdoors.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support us in brightening children’s lives, please visit our ways to give page. We’re also on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram – follow us to stay up to date with all the latest news and events!