Action on Thornes Park Aviary

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has teamed up with the Friends of CHaT Parks (Clarence, Holmfield and Thornes parks), Wakefield Council and the Wakefield Music Collective to rebuild the Thornes Park Aviary.    

 Mary said: “Over the last few months I’ve been working hard alongside the Friends of CHat Parks and the Wakefield Music Collective to rebuild the aviary in Thornes Park.”    “I’m pleased that funding for the aviary has been secured from the council, with demolition and rebuild planned for the spring. We are still £3000 short and I’ve asked local and national companies if they can donate timber, paint or any other goods to help us.”   

 “700 new jobs for young people will be created in Wakefield through the Government’s Future Jobs Fund and I’ve asked the council if it can create up to 3 park rangers for the site to stop littering and anti-social behaviour in Thornes Park.”  

Ian Deighton, Chair of Friends of CHaT Parks said: “The Friends Group and District Council are preparing an Enhancement Plan for the whole park, but some projects cannot wait. The Aviary is in a derelict condition and something needs to be done now if we are to retain this facility.  We are appealing for help from the people of Wakefield for funding, materials or whatever they can contribute towards a replacement aviary.”  

“Many Wakefield residents will remember the existing aviary probably from their childhood and over the years it has become an important part of the character of Thornes Park. We do not have much time, we have to act fast if we are to replace the aviary before it falls down.  It would be a great shame if this focal point in the park was lost for future generations to enjoy.”