A host of Britain’s dog-loving celebrities have joined forces pledging their support for ‘Bark For Our Parks’ to safeguard Britain's precious parks and green spaces.
'Bark For Our Parks' is a UK-wide campaign calling for the public - and their four-legged friends - to sign up and head to their favourite park to walk 50km or 100km throughout May to raise vital funds to support the work Fields in Trust does.
Gyles Brandreth, Gemma Collins, Dr James Greenwood, Gaby Roslin, Natalie Rushdie, and Georgia Toffolo (pictured below) are among the celebrities that we are honoured to have pledging their support.
Pictured left to right: Gemma Collins with her Whippet Blue, Gyles Brandreth with his French Poodle Phydeaux, Gaby Roslin, Natalie Rushdie and her Cavachon Pickle, Dr James Greenwood and his Labrador Dolly and Georgia Toffolo and her King Charles Spaniel Monty.
The challenge officially kicks off in just two days (Wednesday 1st May), but sign-ups are encouraged at any point throughout the month. Proceeds raised will go directly to Fields in Trust to support our work across the UK to protect parks and green spaces forever.
Only 6% of all parks in the UK are legally protected by Fields in Trust and the future of parks and green spaces is increasingly at risk from budget cuts and development.
Our celebrity ambassadors have shared why this campaign is close to their hearts, and why they think you should consider supporting too.
The celebrities who have been pictured in their local parks pledging support for the campaign, include: ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star and media personality Gemma Collins, 43 who is recent proud dog-mum to her new pet Whippet, Blue. Gemma said: “The highlight of Blue’s day, and often mine, is exploring our local parks and green spaces. So, I’m really happy that I get to be a part of this wonderful initiative helping to make sure our walkies will be here forever. Bring on the challenge!”
Among the celebrities pledging support for the challenge is also ‘Made in Chelsea’ star and former ‘I’m A Celebrity’ winner Georgia Toffolo, 29, who will put her best foot forward in the ‘Bark For Our Parks’ campaign alongside her King Charles Spaniel, Monty. Georgia said: “The magic of both parks and green spaces to run, sniff and play is essential to dogs’ health and happiness. I'm thrilled to be working with Fields in Trust on their ‘Bark For Our Parks’ campaign and strongly support the work they do to protect thousands of hectares of parks and green spaces that I and my dog, Monty, treasure so dearly.”
Resident vet for BBC One’s ‘Morning Live’, author, and ‘Blue Peter’ presenter Dr. James Greenwood and his dog, Dolly are also backing the challenge: “We all need access to green spaces to enjoy. I see first-hand just how important those daily walks are to the health of our pets and their owners because we all benefit so much from getting out into nature. That’s why being an ambassador for Fields in Trust really matters to me and why Dolly and I can’t wait to get started on the challenge!”
Broadcaster Gaby Roslin shared her support for the cause: “We all take our local parks for granted but they are so important for our health and wellbeing. Bark For Our Parks is a great way for you and your dog to get involved and support Fields in Trust whilst doing something you love – a walk in the park!”
More stars pledging their support include: writer, broadcaster, and long-time supporter of Fields in Trust as a Vice President, Gyles Brandreth and his French Poodle, Phydeaux. And Jazz singer Natalie Rushdie, daughter-in-law of Booker Prize-winning novelist Sir Salman Rushdie, with her dog, Pickle.
Click here for more information on our Bark For Our Parks celebrity ambassadors.
We’re facing a parks and green spaces emergency. We are fighting to secure a future where everyone has access to a park or green space, and we ask for support from the public to protect the green hearts of our communities.Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust
Sadly, 6.1 million people do not live within a short walk of a green space and that number is growing. Next month, we will release our Green Space Index – an annual barometer of publicly accessible parks and green spaces and we expect to see that there is more pressure than ever on these spaces. We need to act now.
This is why we need Britain’s dog lovers and park lovers to take part in Bark For Our Parks, and help raise vital funds to continue our crucial protection work.
To support the campaign, sign up at www.barkforourparks.org and receive a free ‘Bark For Our Parks’ bandana for your dog. To follow the campaign on social media, use #BarkForOurParks.
