There are lots of ways you can get outdoors and enjoy our parks and green spaces. 

We have a lot of parks across our borough, that have a range of facilities. Take a look at the free activities in our parks for you and your families to get involved in.

Hedge-laying

Our free hedge-laying training days are back. Join our Ranger Team and a specialist hedge-layer to learn how to lay hedges alongside footpaths and bridleways. No experience necessary.

You'll need:

  • Walking boots, wellies or similar (trainers don't protect your feet from thorns)
  • Packed lunch
  • Plenty of water or other drinks
  • Warm clothing or waterproofs

We provide free hot drinks and cake for volunteers on the day. We also have tools and gloves for you to borrow. First aid kits and qualified first-aiders are always on site for your safety and we'll talk you through everything you need to do before you get started. There are no toilets immediately on site.

The days start at 8.30am until 2.45pm on the following dates:

  • 23 November 2023 - Trans Pennine Trail Aldham
  • 7 December 2023 - Trans Pennine Trail Aldham
  • 11 January 2024 - Ardsley
  • 25 January 2024 - Darfield
  • 8 February 2024 - Darfield
  • 22 February 2024 - to be confirmed
  • 7 March 2024 - to be confirmed

Please note that proposed site locations are subject to change.

To book your place or for more information please call or Public Rights of Way Team on 01226 773555 or email publicrightsofway@barnsley.gov.uk.

Hedge Laying

Park Pic Photography stands

Our photography lovers can also enjoy taking photos using our new ‘Park Pic’ stands. Our Park Pic stands have been put up in eight locations including:

  • Elsecar Park
  • Wombwell park (near the main entrance)
  • Lundhill Park (at the top of the park
  • Wombwell (looking over the Hillies tree plantation)
  • Locke Park (looking down towards the bandstand).

Show your support for our parks and share your photos of land art on our social media pages with #ParkPic. You can also send your photos to parksservices@barnsley.gov.uk

Volunteering in our parks

Our countryside rangers carry out maintenance on 35 countryside sites, and 450 miles of public rights of way. Our sites vary from fishing ponds through to nature reserves, canals and disused railway lines.

They have a wide range of skills, including:

  • dry stone walling
  • footbridge building
  • access management
  • habitat conservation
  • general maintenance

Volunteer countryside rangers

Our volunteer countryside rangers are the 'eyes and ears' of the local public. They let us know about the good (and bad) things that happen on our sites when we can't be there.

If you'd like to become a volunteer ranger, email parksservices@barnsley.gov.uk and we'll guide you through the process.

There are several ways you can volunteer across our parks and green spaces. You can find out more about volunteering in Barnsley here.

This can include:

  • park maintenance
  • tidy-ups
  • woodland management
  • dry stone walling
  • bench installation
  • horticulture
  • caring for livestock

Being a volunteer also gives you the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and become more active. You'll also be making a difference in protecting our beautiful borough.

You may also be interested in

Countryside education and events

Our Parks service often attends countryside shows such as Penistone Agricultural Show and other smaller local events throughout the year.

The Countryside Ranger team teach people skills such as dry stone walling or bird box making. Guided walks and environment days are also arranged.

Worsbrough Mill Country Park and Cannon Hall provide their own events. 

To find out more please contact us online.

Park services enquiry

Call us on (01226) 774353 or