'Be the change you want to see' outside this summer with Love Northampton Parks campaign

A campaign has launched to encourage residents to safely enjoy Northampton's parks and green spaces and 'show them the love they deserve'.

Love Parks Week is being held to celebrate Northampton's parks and beauty spots with social-distanced activities such as walking in the woods, family challenges and fitness ideas.

The week will also share volunteering opportunities through the council's Love Northampton Parks Facebook event.Park users are encouraged to get involved in the anti-litter campaigns #myparkisyourpark and #mystreetisyourstreet, and be the change they what to see by picking up their rubbish. They can also report instances of littering as they occur to raise awareness, change behaviour, reduce clean-up costs and keep the environment clean.

Using the hashtag #LoveNorthamptonParks people are being asked to share their favourite childhood memories of things they learnt to do at the park. It could be your first cartwheel, kite flying, learning to ride a bike, roller skating or even your first landscape painting.

Councillor Anna King, Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “This Love Parks Week, I encourage everyone to get out and safely enjoy our beautiful parks.

“Spending time in a park is a great way to get closer to the nature and improve your mental wellbeing - plus by using and celebrating your local park, you’ll be helping to protect them for future generations.

“We urge people to have pride in our parks and at the same time act responsibly, respect the surroundings by keeping them clean and report any instances of littering, graffiti or full bins at the borough council website.”