Free activities celebrating parks and green spaces were held across East Devon as part of Love Parks Week.

The event, which ran from 29 July to 5 August, was designed to thank everyone who works and volunteers in green spaces and encourage people of all ages to enjoy parks and be outdoors.

Each day, East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) park officers held activities in a variety of locations, including Manor Gardens in Exmouth, Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth, The Glen in Honiton, Seafield Gardens in Seaton and Phear Park in Exmouth.

The free activities included planting wildflowers to take home, a storyteller with tales about nature, giant garden games to play, nature-themed scavenger hunts, wildlife walks (led by the park officers) and gardeners’ question time.

Local clubs also got involved and offered free taster sessions including croquet (Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club), Tai Chi (Momentum Tai Chi) and mini-golf (LED Fitness).

Residents were also invited to sign up to volunteer groups to help maintain local green spaces.

Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC’s portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said:

Our parks and green spaces are vital for local communities and visitors to East Devon.

I am thankful for the work the parks and open spaces team have done to make Love Parks Week such a success.

Paul Fealey, EDDC’s horticultural technical officer added:

Love Parks Week is crucial to give back to communities to help them to have experiences that they would not normally have. It is important to engage residents and tourists alike.

I was a tourist in East Devon last year, and was so impressed with the district, its green spaces and its community spirit that it encouraged me to become an East Devon resident and an EDDC officer.

It has been so rewarding to watch and engage with people of all ages in the green spaces that the parks and gardens team work so hard to maintain and enhance.

Russell Giblett, EDDC’s parks and open spaces improvement officer, said:

Love Parks week has been really successful, with a schedule full of fun activities and events for everyone to enjoy.

Parks should be the heart of our communities which provide vital space to play, grow and bond.

The range of activities were aimed at drawing everyone to our green spaces and experiencing all they have to offer, in the hope that they continue to use them throughout the year.