As Love Parks Week 2026 continues, it’s the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to some of the amazing volunteers.

Wirral was recently awarded a total of 37 Green Flags – the highest number in the North West – and this would not be possible without volunteers.

Margaret is part of the team of volunteers who give up countless hours each year at Wallasey Central Park and Vale Park in New Brighton. At Central Park, Margaret – who moved to Wirral after retiring – is in her “happy place” in the Walled Garden, ensuring the flower arrangements on the rockery thrive.

Margaret said, “I love the Walled Garden, working on the rockery, weeding it, keeping it tidy and sweeping up. It is my happy place and where I feel at home.

“Gardening helps me mentally and physically. I’m age conscious and I have a lot of aches and pains that I don’t want to give in to. I have a friendship group from people at Vale Park, I’ve made different relationships and we do things together outside of the park.

“It also is important to keep yourself moving and to keep your mind busy. My mum had Alzheimer’s and I do not want to develop it, so I’m doing all of the things to try to prevent it, like keeping my mind active.”

Joe is another familiar face at Wallasey Central Park since retiring. What started as a way to stay active soon became an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and make a lasting contribution to the park.

Joe said, “I had retired and used to walk through the park all the time, so decided to get involved. When I joined, I thought my main job would be litter picking but I’m more of an odd-job man.

“I’ve helped build planters, frames for plants, benches, fencing, as well as dismantling a greenhouse and rebuilding it. The rebuilding was a lot harder – I realised I’m no good at jigsaws! We learn while we do things.

“One of the best things was making two large butterfly wings in the Walled Garden that people can get a photo with.

“I enjoy having a go at something different, all the people I work with are great and I’ve made new friends. I’d recommend anyone interested to give it a go, you can’t lose anything.”

To get involved, click here.

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