York's Rowntree Park now has an activity group for the under-fives. MAXINE GORDON finds out more.

WHEN the Green Flag was raised at Rowntree Park five months ago, one local group was singled out for praise.

The flag - a national award which recognises the country's best green spaces - was one of 13 awarded in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Besides praising the management and upkeep of the park, judges also spoke highly of the work of the Young Friends of Rowntree Park.

This group was set up three years ago to encourage people aged between five and 14 to get involved in park life.

With a regular membership of about 40 children, the group meets monthly to tackle everything from boat modelling and mini beast hunting to birdwatching and mosaic making.

And now a new group has been set up for the under-fives so the teenies can join in the fun too.

The Very Young Friends of Rowntree Park is the brainchild of York mum Emma Stiggants, who lives a stone's throw away from the park on Bishopthorpe Road.

Emma, who has a five-month-old daughter Clover, said: "I set it up so siblings of some of the Young Friends could take part in activities too.

"So far we've printed pennants to make bunting and now we're planning events for May Day."

May Day fun - on Sunday May 1 - kicks off at 8am with a bird walk in the park with a guide from the RSPB. Other events for children of all ages will be taking place between 10am and 4pm and Emma has planned a series of teddybears' picnics for the under-fives. Parents have to stay with the under-fives at all Very Young Friends events, she added.

Also on the agenda for forthcoming sessions, said Emma, were mini scavenger hunts, fairy-boat making and various arts and crafts as well as story telling and sing-a-longs.

Families can take out an annual membership for £3.

Emma added: "There is something for everyone at the park, from tennis and skateboarding to basketball and bowls. A lot of money has been spent on it and a really good job has been done. People are very passionate about it. It's great for people who live in this area because many of us don't have gardens."

For more details, email: richardandem@cloemri.wanadoo.co.uk

Updated: 10:00 Tuesday, April 26, 2005