About Us
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods is a registered charity protecting and enhancing Gledhow Valley Woods since 1996.
Who we are
The Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods (FGVW) is a volunteer-led organisation founded in March 1996 to protect and enhance the natural beauty of Gledhow Valley Woods, increase public awareness of the woods and their significance, support other local groups working in and around the valley, and liaise with Leeds City Council and all appropriate organisations to achieve our objectives.
FGVW became a registered charity in 2016 (Charity Registration Number 1169599). Our work is carried out entirely by volunteers, supported by membership fees and grant funding.
What we do
Our activities include:
- Practical conservation work — regular volunteer work parties maintaining paths, managing vegetation, and improving habitats
- Citizen science — water quality monitoring of Gledhow Beck through our water testing programme
- Community events — including the annual Gledhow Valley Green Fair
- Advocacy and liaison — representing the interests of the woodland and its users to Leeds City Council and other bodies
- Recording and monitoring — maintaining records of the wildlife and habitats of the valley
How we work with Leeds City Council
Gledhow Valley Woods is owned and managed by Leeds City Council. FGVW works in close partnership with the council's Parks and Countryside team. Our volunteers carry out conservation work that complements the council's management, and we maintain regular dialogue about the condition of the woodland and any issues that arise.
Governance
FGVW is governed by a board of trustees who are responsible for the charity's activities and finances. The trustees meet regularly to oversee the work of the organisation and ensure it operates in accordance with its charitable objectives and the requirements of the Charity Commission.