I seem to be ending my year in ‘the park’ with bare trees and grey skies, pretty much where I came. It was pleasant today getting out after the holiday period although very wet going underfoot. I headed to an area of pasture land between Temple Newsam Park and Bullerthorpe Lane. I have asked myself and been asked by friends why I would commit to spending a year exploring just one park in Leeds.
Why not? I wanted to do it and its nearly done. I haven’t lost weight but have had far more exercise than I probably would have otherwise. I gained a dog in March who since then has been unwavering in her support of this project. Also very patient as a middle-aged bloke in wellies struggles to keep up with her. I have visited ‘the park’ as a baby, school child, adult, parent and grand parent. It is in the part of Leeds where I grew up. I suppose part of me just wanted to record my year of walks around a place I am fond of for no other reason than that.
It has been fun, a pain in the proverbial. I have looked forward to going and dreaded it. It is though a beautiful park on the edge of a growing city. Leeds City Council ended up as its owners in the 1920’s. I am sure they don’t need me to tell them (as its my blog I will), it’s not theirs! They are simply custodians of it for future generations of Leeds residents. It should be cared for and protected. New land set aside and developed! For recreation! There must be immense pressure to develop land in cities but once it is gone, it is gone for good. This park was in open countryside when I was a child with the city on just one side. It is now all but surrounded by warehouses, factories, new housing and a motorway. The OS map for the area describes Temple Newsam as a Country Park! For how much longer?
More reflections from my year in the park over the coming days.
