Over 500 organisations applied for the 2024 Ashden Awards, and FGVW is one of just two finalists in the category of "Nature Based Solutions (UK)" after a rigorous assessment and selected by panels of expert judges including academics, investors, civil society leaders and journalists.

Award winners will be announced in June, during London Climate Action Week.

"FGVW are delighted that our work has been recognised at a national level by our nomination as an Ashden Awards finalist.

We are one of the largest Friends groups in Leeds, with no paid staff but a large and enthusiastic team of volunteers.

We have transformed an urban green space using nature-based solutions: restoring Gledhow Lake, creating six wildflower meadows, planting 3km of native hedgerow, creating ponds and wetlands, tackling soil erosion, silting and flood risk by installing fascines on the steep valley sides and 'leaky dams' in Gledhow Beck.

We have collaborated with the Environment Agency to create an 'ark site' for the native white-clawed crayfish.

We are addressing the issue of water pollution caused by the four combined sewer outlets in Gledhow Valley, road run-off and misconnected pipes by setting up a team of Citizen Scientists who regularly monitor water quality and its impact on aquatic life. We are using this data to lobby Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency to create fundamental improvements in water quality. At the same time we are working with other Citizen Scientist groups and local universities to push for improvements across Yorkshire.

All our work is carried out in partnership with Leeds City Council Climate, Energy and Green Spaces and Flood Risk Management, Groundwork Yorkshire, local community groups and our private sector partners Sweco.

We are proud of our achievements in creating a fantastic green space that is welcoming to all the diverse communities that surround the Gledhow Valley."

Ashden, a UK charity, has been spotlighting transformative climate solutions for more than 20 years through their prestigious Awards scheme.

Head of Awards, Dr Stephen Hall, said:

"We're thrilled with this year's Ashden Awards finalists. They're brimming with epic climate ambition - ambition to slash global emissions and transform our world. They're also pioneers of climate justice, building a world that's fairer and greener. It's no surprise to find these two qualities together: when it comes to climate action, they go hand-in-hand.

Change happens faster when more people believe in it, back it, and enjoy the benefits. We're really proud to celebrate these organisations, and urge investors, funders and policymakers to support them too."

16 Jan 2024
Monitoring Water Quality in Gledhow Valley

The FGVW's "Citizens Science" project to monitor water quality in Gledhow Valley got underway in September 2023. It is already beginning to raise awareness of water quality issues in the area and forms an important part of the Friends' work to improve and protect Gledhow Valley Woods for everyone.

You can read more about the project and see the monitoring results on our Water Quality Monitoring page.