Stonefall Park volunteers gain “outstanding” at RHS awards

Stonefall Park has recently been awarded Outstanding for the second year running at the RHS In Bloom awards in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category.

And the accolade is testament to the hard working Hookstone and Stonefall Action Group (HASAG) volunteer group, dedicated to looking after and preserving the much-loved Harrogate green spaces.

A spokesperson said: "HASAG works very closely with the Parks and Countryside Services team at North Yorkshire Council, who also partner with Open Country for specific projects, so it is a real team effort."

HASAG was formed in 2015 by local residents and two ward councillors to enhance Hookstone Wood and Stonefall Park.

The group’s vision is to work with the local authority to enhance what they already do in these areas, to continue to improve and enhance our environment for everyone to enjoy and to bring the community together.

The spokesperson added: "To maintain the brilliant RHS accreditation, HASAG is looking for more volunteers and members to support its work.

"Volunteering does not need to mean a major commitment. People can come along regularly or simply when they have time.

"No gardening or specialist knowledge needed - just a willingness to get stuck in and help." 

HASAG meets around once a month, either for works sessions (helping with maintenance and improvement around the park and woodland) or taking part in annual events like the Great British litter pick and Big Garden Birdwatch (great for kids to get involved with too). 

They added: "It’s a great chance to meet other local people, spend time outdoors and make a practical contribution to a green space that the community can enjoy."  

People can join the mailing list by contacting [email protected] or by visiting https://hasactiongroup.wordpress.com

HASAG’s AGM is on 26 November at 7pm at Woodlands Methodist Church Hall.  

"Everyone is very welcome to come along to find out more (and there will be cake)."

There will also be a short speech by George Eglese on Taking the Cure Again: Harrogate's Spa Renaissance.
It will give visitors an illustrated journey through Harrogate's extraordinary spa inheritance and the emerging movement to reconnect its waters, landscapes, health, culture and public life.

And the talk will introduce the newly established Harrogate Spa Society and its ambitions to revive Harrogate as a great living spa town, exploring plans to protect its mineral springs, restore its historic spa heritage and reconnect its gardens, woodlands and surrounding landscapes through nature recovery and community stewardship. 

The spokesperson added: "Like many green spaces, the main issues HASAG focus on include littering, general wear on paths and the ongoing need to manage vegetation and maintain the natural environment. 

"HASAG also focuses on protecting wildlife habitats, encouraging biodiversity and ensuring the areas remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for our community.

"As the pressures of the modern world increase, it is more important than ever to protect green space and woodland for future generations."