Group caring for historic Worcester park highlighting importance of keeping green spaces clean
The Fort Royal Park Environmental Rangers have been looking after the area where the 17th century Battle of Worcester took place for nearly two years
A group set-up to look after a park in Worcester which has historical significance has said it continues to be vital to keep these green spaces tidy for places and communities.
It's as an environmental national campaign called the Great British Spring Clean, which sees hundreds of thousands of volunteers clear litter from spaces like streets, parks and beaches, has been running since the 13 March and continues until the 29 March.
Fort Royal Park is known as the site of the Battle of Worcester which took place on the 3 September 1651 and was the final conflict in a number of civil wars between the King and Parliament where the Parliamentary army defeat the Royalist army.
The Fort Royal Park Environmental Rangers were founded nearly two years ago and are celebrating their 2nd anniversary next month.
Volunteer Karen Humphries, who's also involved in the Worcester Environmental Group, said they set-up just because they wanted to make sure the area was cared for.
"It has importance as an ancient monument and a historical site, but it's also completely surrounded by mainly Victorian houses and busy roads so it's a real green oasis in the middle of the city," she said.
"It just began to look uncared for and lots of the local residents noticed, so we decided we had to do something.
"Also, about 10 to 15 years ago, it wasn't really a safe place to be at night, so we also wanted the park to be really heavily used all the time so people feel that they can come at any time."
The park was visited by two United States of America presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century, with a plaque on display to commemorate the visit.
It also holds the Green Flag award, which recognises good environmental management in parks and green spaces nationally.
Humphries, who has a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young people, said a group that organise events were already in place when they launched called the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens, and together they liaise with the city council to maintain the park.
"It feels like a lot more people come onto the park, people having picnics, there's people playing on the play area, there's people playing basketball and I think it's a welcoming park because of that," she said.
"The residents organise litter picking once a month, we've got a couple of residents who on their own will come around the park on a Saturday morning and litter pick.
"There’s students who are doing their DofE (Duke of Edinburgh award) and they go around here and other parks as well and help clean up those because that can then count as their volunteering."
To honour the Battle of Worcester's 375th anniversary this year, a series of events, exhibitions and experiences are being held throughout.