A major new environmental initiative is set to transform parks and green spaces across Leeds into thriving sanctuaries for butterflies, moths, and residents alike. The national charity Butterfly Conservation, in partnership with Leeds City Council, is launching the Leeds Wild Spaces project, aiming to establish eight dedicated wildlife areas within the city over the coming year.
Creating Havens for Wildlife and Communities
The project will see the creation of Wild Spaces in council-managed parks, each planted with native wildflowers to provide nectar for pollinators and special grasses to offer shelter and breeding grounds for caterpillars. Butterfly Conservation is currently recruiting a Project Officer to lead the work alongside its Yorkshire Branch, local community groups, and the council, with the aim of having them in post by March.
Sammy Fraser, Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces Officer, emphasised the dual purpose of the scheme: "We are looking for anyone who loves nature, people and the city of Leeds to get involved. You will have the opportunity to make a real difference for wildlife by creating pollinator patches and breeding ground for butterflies and moths, but you’ll also work with other local people to create spaces which residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come."
Groundwork Underway and Community Support
Substantial preparatory work has already begun. The Yorkshire Branch, working with the council, has prepared 1.3 hectares of land at Roundhay Park and the Temple Newsam estate, a crucial first step that reduces soil fertility to encourage wildflower growth. Plans for the next six sites are drawn up, and the team is assembling 250 free 'start-up packs' for residents, containing wildflower seeds and guidance to create their own mini Wild Spaces.
The project builds on the success of Leeds's first official Wild Space, a wildflower meadow at Roundhay Park established by the team at Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World. It has received funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Climate Grants programme, Butterfly Conservation's Yorkshire Branch, the Hiscox Foundation, and the Peter Sowerby Foundation.
Health, Wellbeing and Halting Decline
Among the project's high-profile supporters is celebrity GP and Butterfly Conservation Vice President Dr Amir Khan, a Leeds resident. He highlighted the health benefits: "As a GP I’ve seen how spending time in green spaces can transform our physical and mental health, and Wild Spaces Leeds will make our local green spaces even better for people and wildlife."
The initiative addresses a critical need. Since the 1970s, 80% of UK butterflies have declined, with habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change as key drivers. The Leeds Wild Spaces project will deliver tangible benefits, including the eight new meadow-focused spaces, free community events, volunteering opportunities, and educational resources.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: "It’s wonderful to see all the work that has already gone in. When spring arrives we look forward to seeing how the spaces are transformed with flowers and wildlife. Growing our Wild Spaces falls under our Leeds Ambitions, working to restore our connection with nature."
Volunteer groups like the Friends of Hunslet Moor gardening club are already joining the effort. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the Wild Spaces team at wildspaces@butterfly-conservation.org.
