Praise for Exeter's parks

People living in Exeter have spoken about their favourite parks and open spaces in the city. The comments come during Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks Week and underline Exeter City Council’s commitment to parks and green spaces.

Love Parks Week runs from 26 July to Sunday, 4 August and is a week-long celebration highlighting the vital role green spaces play in boosting the health and wellbeing of residents and communities.

People are being encouraged to share their stories and pictures about why they love their green spaces using #LoveParks. Find out more by visiting the Keep Britain Tidy website, Love Parks 2024, Keep Britain Tidy, or on Facebook, X, or Instagram.

Already, dozens of people in Exeter have done so, praising the council’s stance on protecting and maintaining its green spaces and letting the local authority know about their favourite places to hang out.

One person described King George V Playing Fields as: “A great park, serene, quiet, and a place to escape. I love it!”

Another said: “Eastern Fields: I spend a lot of time there. It’s a lovely open space with trees, plants, birds, and other wildlife, and provides opportunities for sports as well. I dearly love having this wonderful amenity practically on my doorstep.”

One person commented: “Hard to say, they are all special places. I’m really impressed by what’s happening to the former Northbrook Golf Course.”

People were particularly impressed by the city’s five Valley Parks, which are maintained and managed by Devon Wildlife Trust. One person was quick to add their favourite: “Mincinglake Valley Park by a country mile!” they said.

Many people cited Heavitree Pleasure Ground as their favourite green open space. One person said: “It’s great for walking your dog, lovely play park for the children with the little pools open when the weather is warmer, and now having the café there has made it even nicer. The tennis courts and basketball courts are great for people into their sports.”

Other parks and green spaces singled out for praise were: Pinces Gardens for the wisteria, gardens and café; Belmont Park for its “inclusive community vibes” and “great park gym”, sensory garden, scrap store and community hut; Barley Valley Nature Reserve for its “outstanding views”; Flowerpot Fields; “beautiful” Northernhay Gardens; Bull Meadow, Bury Meadow and Cowick Barton Playing Fields.

“All of them,” said one resident, “We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful city.”

“We are proud of our parks and green spaces in Exeter – they help break up the urban nature of our city,” said Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management.

“We’ve worked hard over the years to ensure that they are protected and this is something we will continue to do over the coming years so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.”