Why Volunteering at Ford Park Matters
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Ford Park. Theyre the reason the park feels beautiful, cared for and welcoming, not just on big event days, but every day.
If you’ve ever walked through the park and thought - this is lovely, chances are you’ve seen the work of volunteers without even realising it. And it’s their hard work and dedication that makes Ford Park a well-loved community asset.
What volunteering does for the park
Ford Park is a charity-run community green space, and it takes year-round care to keep it safe, tidy and enjoyable for everyone. Volunteers help with all sorts, including:
· Gardening, plant care and food growing
· Grounds maintenance and practical jobs
· Regular tasks like litter picking and bin emptying
· Planning children’s activities and events
· Helping on the day from tombolas and family activities to directing traffic on the field
· And lots of behind-the-scenes support
All of this supports our fundraising and grant applications that help us keep our charity run park open. You don’t need to be an expert gardener or an events planner. People come from all walks of life, with all kinds of skills and a willingness to muck in and be part of the team.
What volunteering gives back to the community
When volunteers show up, the whole community benefits. It means Ford Park can stay a free, welcoming place where people can walk, breathe, meet friends, let the kids play, and feel connected to nature and to each other.
It also means we can run community events and family activities that bring people together, create memories, and keep Ford Park at the heart of Ulverston life.
What volunteering gives back to volunteers
People volunteer for all sorts of reasons. Some want to be outdoors more. Some want company and a proper chat. Some enjoy learning new skills. Some simply like doing something useful and seeing the difference they’ve made.
At Ford Park, volunteering also comes with:
· The chance to be part of a friendly, dedicated team
· Sharing skills and shaping the future of Ford Park for generations to come
· A feeling of pride as they give back to the community they love
· A Ford Park T-shirt so you can spot our park heroes as they go about their work
· Lots of tea, coffee, cake and biscuits
Were incredibly proud of our volunteers, past and present, and the impact they’ve had. Their hard work was recognised nationally a few years ago when our volunteers received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. And we’re always proud to receive the Green Flag Award, recognizing Ford Park as one of the best kept parks in the country.
Want to get involved?
If you’re curious about volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. The best first step is an informal chat over a brew to talk about what you enjoy, what time you have, and what might suit you.
Contact our Volunteer Officer, Moray by emailing moray.laxton@ford-park.org.uk
Can’t volunteer right now?
We know not everyone has time to volunteer, and that’s okay. It costs £160,000 a year to maintain the park, garden and Williams Room for our community, so your support can make a real difference.
If you’d like to help in another way, you can become a member or make a donation to the charity and keep Ford Park safe for future generations.
