Love Parks Week

Love Parks Week is an annual campaign that celebrates parks, green spaces, and the dedicated volunteers and workers that look after them all year round.  

These vibrant, living spaces bring communities together and provide an opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of our cities, towns, and neighbourhoods.  

Love Parks Week 2025

This summer, join us for Love Parks Week 2025, a vibrant programme of free events celebrating the natural beauty, biodiversity, and community spirit of our local parks and green spaces. 

Whether you're a nature lover, a creative soul, a young explorer, or simply looking to get outdoors and feel good, there's something for everyone — from ranger-themed activities and nature walks, to beach art, biodiversity workshops, plant swaps, and outdoor empowerment sessions for women and girls. 

Join us in connecting with nature, caring for our parks, and discovering new ways to enjoy the outdoors — together.  Events are happening in Bangor, Portavogie, Holywood, Kircubbin, Killinchy, Ballywalter, Groomsport, and more. 

Book your ticketed events here: Love Parks 25th July- 2nd August 2025 | Eventbrite

Thursday 24 July | Quiet Connections: Exploring Nature in Historic Graveyards | Movilla Cemetery, 5:00pm-7pm

Join biodiversity experts from Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership for a relaxed afternoon walk exploring the hidden biodiversity of our stone walls and graveyards. Includes activities suitable for children and families.
A nature-lover's delight - come see what's growing quietly all around us. 

Friday 25 July | Path to Park Ranger | Bangor Castle Walled Garden, 10:00am - 12:30pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Bangor Castle Walled Garden - Meet at the Bandstand 
Learn the skills. Lead the team. Protect the park. 
This exciting hands-on session gives young people (aged 11-14, accompanied by a parent/guardian) a taste of what it takes to be a Park Ranger. Get stuck into conservation activities and meet the park staff who protect our green spaces every day. 
For young people interested in the natural world, environmental careers, and making a difference. 

Saturday 26 July | Trees with Dylan: Tree Tour | Bangor Castle Walled Garden, 11:00am | BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Bangor Castle Walled Garden - Meet at the Bandstand 
11:00am (Approx. 1.5 hrs) 
Take a gentle stroll through Bangor Castle Park with tree expert Dylan and discover the stories, science, and secrets of our local trees. 
A relaxing, educational walk for adults interested in biodiversity and the environment. 

Saturday 26 July | Bug Detectives with The Conservation Volunteers  |  Ward Park, 1:00PM - 2:30pm 

Ward Park - Meet at the Bandstand
Grab a magnifying glass and join the hunt! Become a bug detective and explore what's crawling, flying, and hiding in the park. A fun session for all ages with The Conservation Volunteers. 
Family-friendly fun for curious minds! 
 

Saturday 26 July | Park Pedal |Castle Park, Bangor, 1:30pm - 4:00pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL

 Meet at the main entrance
Park Pedal is a fun, traffic-free community bike ride designed for everyone — whether you're new to cycling or a regular rider. Join one of three group rides at 2:00pm, 2:30pm, or 3:00pm for a relaxed, social cycling experience off-road.

Open to all ages and abilities — from balance bikes to experienced cyclists — enjoy friendly cycling at your own pace, meet new people, and build confidence on your bike.

Please book your place by completing the form below to confirm your preferred group slot: https://forms.gle/JmbhGJ39NoRuiir46 

Monday 28 July | Plant Swap at Holywood Green Gym | 10:30am - 12:00noon 

 Holywood Green Gym (nets.kicks.priced) 
Bring a plant, take a plant! Join this friendly biodiversity-focused meet-up where you can swap, share, and learn with fellow plant lovers. 
A green-fingered way to meet your community.  

Monday 28 July | Words in the Wild: Nature-Inspired Writing Workshop | Ward Park, 6;30pm - 9:00pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Meet outside Bangor Library  
Join local author Jessica Berry for a reflective writing session inspired by nature. Use your senses and surroundings to create poetry, storytelling and reflective writing in a supportive, creative space. 
✍️ For ages 16+ (with parent/guardian if under 18).  

Tuesday 29 July | Empower and Explore - Women's Outdoor Experience Event |  Londonderry Park, Newtownards, 6:00pm - 9:00pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Join us for an empowering evening for women and girls to connect with nature, build confidence, and feel safe exploring the outdoors. This women's event offers a variety of activities and expert talks — all completely free! 
For women and girls aged 16+ (with parent/guardian supervision if under 18). 

Tuesday 29 July | Family Volunteering at Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards, 10:30am - 12:30pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Get your hands dirty for a good cause! Families can join us to help care for this special nature reserve and learn simple conservation techniques. 
For ages 7+ with parental supervision.  

Wednesday 30 July | Summer of Play in the Parks | Killinchy Play Park, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Pop-up play activities and games for children of all ages - a summer celebration of fun and movement in your local park! 
Drop-in, free family fun! 

Wednesday 30 July | Natural Inks and Painting with Kristen Robb | Kircubbin Rewilding Site,10:am - 12:00noon | BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Kircubbin Rewilding Site, Kircubbin Cemetery 
Explore the magic of natural dyes and make your own eco-art with artist Kristen Robb. Suitable for all ages, especially children. 
A creative and colourful celebration of nature. 

Wednesday 30 July | Path to Park Ranger | Bangor Castle Walled Garden, 1:00pm - 3:30pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

 Bangor Castle Walled Garden - Meet at the Bandstand  
Learn the skills. Lead the team. Protect the park. 
A repeat of our exciting ranger-themed activity for 11-14 year olds (with a parent/guardian). Get stuck into conservation activities and meet the park staff who protect our green spaces every day. 
 For young people interested in the natural world, environmental careers, and making a difference. 

Thursday 31 July | Beach Art with Anne-Marie Taggart | Ballywalter Village Hall, 10:00am - 12:00noon 

Create beautiful beach-inspired art using natural materials with local artist Anne-Marie. 
 A creative session for children and families - bring your imagination! 

Thursday 31 July | Dementia-Friendly Love Parks Celebration | Ward Park, 10:30am - 12:30pm 

 Meet outside Bangor Library 
Join us for a gentle, inclusive gathering celebrating our sensory garden with storytelling, crafts, and planting activities designed for people living with dementia and their carers. 
 Run in partnership with Dementia NI, Alzheimer's Society, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Libraries NI.  

Friday 1 August | Shore NI Citizen Science with Ulster Wildlife | Portavogie Play Park, 10:00am - 12:00noon 

Help collect real scientific data about our coastlines and learn more about marine biodiversity with Ulster Wildlife. 
A hands-on, educational outing for all ages. 

Friday 1 August | Inclusive Bikes Taster Sessions | Bangor Sportsplex, 11:00am - 1:00pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Experience the joy of cycling with inclusive and adaptive bikes. Try something new in a fun, friendly environment. 
Pre-booking essential: 0289127 5622  

Saturday 2 August | Picnic and Art in the Park with Kristen Robb | Linear Park, Bangor, 12:00noon - 2:00pm

Enjoy a hands-on family art session led by textile artist Kristen Robb, hosted by residents of Linear Park, bring your picnic! 
Perfect for families and residents in the local area to connect and get creative outdoors! 
 

Saturday 2 August |A wild taste of local food - celebrating the wonders and use of seaweed | Groomsport Boathouse, 10:00am - 3:00pm | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

Join The Seaweed Man, William McElhinney of Wild Strands, for a unique coastal food experience. Learn how to identify and harvest edible seaweeds, explore their cultural and nutritional value, and take part in a hands-on cooking session using seaweed as the star ingredient. Finish by enjoying a light, shared lunch made together by the group. 

A wild taste of the coast — explore, cook, and connect with nature. 

Why we love parks

Parks and green spaces are amazing! Here's three great reasons why we 'Love Parks': 

Healthier communities - parks encourage physical activity, reduce stress, and provide spaces for social interaction, leading to happier and healthier residents. 

Stronger communities - well-maintained parks become hubs for community events, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. 

Sustainable future - parks act as natural filters, improving air and water quality while mitigating climate change impacts.

If you would like more information please email our Parks team at ANDparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk