Volunteers Get Stuck In at Wakefield Kirkgate

This Tuesday saw another brilliant day of volunteering at Wakefield Kirkgate railway station, as members of our Groundwork horticulture sessions decided they wanted to keep the momentum going and take on the task of further improving the station environment.

What followed was a productive and rewarding few hours where volunteers rolled up their sleeves and made a real difference to the station.

Planting and Growing

The team spent time planting several areas around the station, helping to bring more greenery and life to the platforms and surrounding spaces.

One of the highlights of the day was creating a new herb garden in one of the large pots at the front of the station. Volunteers planted a variety of herbs including:

• Basil

• Parsley

• Mint

• Other seasonal herbs

Once the plants become established, these herbs will be free for passengers and visitors to pick as they pass through the station; a small but meaningful way of connecting the station with the community and encouraging people to enjoy the space.

A Thank You to Our Partners

Volunteers also took time to clear out the station building’s bin store. This was done as a small gesture of thanks to Dave and the team from Groundwork Yorkshire, recognising the charity’s continued support of LonGBoaT Wakefield’s projects at Kirkgate.

The clear-out had an added benefit too. With the space reorganised, we were able to repurpose an old, disused grit bin into a tool shed, giving us a practical place to store equipment used during our horticulture sessions.

We also filled up a donated water bowser, ensuring volunteers have access to water for plants and maintenance tasks as the growing season gets underway.

Looking Ahead

There’s plenty more to come in the weeks ahead. During next week’s session volunteers will be:

• Planting potato bulbs

• Planting onions

• Planting sunflowers

• Carrying out a general tidy of existing pots and station assets

As spring approaches, we’re looking forward to seeing these spaces flourish and add colour and life to the station.

Get Involved

Our Wakefield Kirkgate Station Adoption Project is always looking for people who want to get involved and help make a difference.

You can join us in several ways:

Tuesday Volunteer Sessions: Every Tuesday, 11am – 2pm, working on horticulture and station improvement projects.

Station Adoption Open Day: Held on the first Saturday of each month (as part of the coffee morning); a great opportunity to learn more about the project.

Saturday Coffee Morning: Drop in for a chat, meet the team and find out how you can get involved 11am - 2pm

Whether you’re passionate about gardening, interested in community projects, or simply want to help make Wakefield Kirkgate a greener and more welcoming place, we’d love to see you.

Together we’re helping transform the station into a space that reflects the pride and diversity of the community;

including creating visible, welcoming environments where LGBT+ people and allies feel comfortable spending time.