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Let It Grow: Westminster Embraces No Mow May

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Let it Grow. Westminster Embraces No Mow May 2025

Unlocking urban biodiversity

This May, Westminster City Council is once again participating in Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to let grass and wildflowers flourish across the city. By pausing mowing in selected parks, green spaces, and all housing estates, the council aims to support pollinators like bees and butterflies, which rely on wildflowers for food. This initiative is part of Westminster’s broader commitment to enhancing urban biodiversity and creating a greener city for all

The benefits to Nature

  • Boost Pollinator Populations: Allowing lawns to grow can nearly double butterfly numbers in rural areas and increase them by 18% in urban settings.

  • Enhance Biodiversity: Longer grass supports a variety of wildlife, offering breeding grounds and shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals.

  • Promote Sustainable Gardening: Embracing a more natural lawn reduces maintenance efforts and supports environmental sustainability

Participating Areas include:

  • Sussex Gardens
  • Westbourne Green Open Space
  • Paddington Green
  • St John’s Wood Church Gardens (selected areas)
  • Paddington Recreation Ground
  • Ministry of Defence section by the wall
  • St George’s Square (selected area)
  • Berkeley Square
  • Victoria Tower Gardens

Join the movement—lock up your lawnmower this May and let nature take the lead. Discover how you can participate by following the link below.

More on No Mow May

Play Streets Are Coming to Westminster! See Which Streets Made the Cut

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Play Streets Are Coming to Westminster! See Which Streets Made the Cut

Thanks to your feedback, three new Play Streets are officially on the way—creating safer, more vibrant spaces where children can play freely and neighbours can come together.

Opening up our streets for play isn’t just about fun. It helps build stronger communities, encourages active lifestyles, and fosters a deeper sense of belonging for everyone.

After reviewing resident feedback and assessing the potential of eight proposed sites, Westminster City Council is excited to confirm that the following Play Streets will be moving ahead:

  • Ashmore Road (Northern section, Queens Park ward)

  • Kilravock Street (Queens Park ward)

  • Northumberland Place (Bayswater ward)

These locations were chosen based on strong community interest, the ability of local residents to help activate the spaces, and previous successful Street Play activity.

Find out more and read the full ‘You Said, We Did’ summary report

Read the Full Summary Report
play street 2

What’s Next?

  • Northumberland Place: Works begin in May and are expected to finish by July.

  • Ashmore Road & Kilravock Street: Implementation starts in July, aiming for completion in August.

We’ll keep you updated with exact timelines as work progresses.

Let’s keep building a more playful, connected Westminster—together!

Discover how Active Streets are transforming your neighbourhoods

Active Streets

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

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  • News

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

April 2025 Walk Leader Full Poster

Join Everyone Active’s next Walk Leader Training qualification on 30th April 2025 from 9:30am – 1pm at the Paddington Recreation Ground.

If you are passionate about physical activity and know that walking is a great way to stay active and healthy, here is your chance to become a certified Walk Leader. In this training course you will be able to:
  • Gain leadership skills
  • Learn about safety and route planning
  • Promote health and wellness in our community
  • Join a supportive network of fellow enthusiasts

Don’t miss this opportunity to access the FREE training and lead the way towards a healthier future. Limited spots available, so sign up by emailing CarjezBryan@everyoneactive.com

Email to Sign Up

ActiveWestminster Weekend Brings Community Together Through Sport and Physical Activity

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  • News Post

ActiveWestminster Weekend Brings Community Together Through Sport and Physical Activity

On the weekend of 12–13 April 2025, Westminster City Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, proudly hosted the ActiveWestminster Weekend—a vibrant celebration of health, wellbeing, and community spirit. Over the course of two days, residents of all ages and abilities were invited to take part in an exciting lineup of FREE fitness classes, sports activities, and taster sessions across various venues in Westminster.

Let’s Play Football!

The initiative aimed to encourage physical activity, promote local sports opportunities, and bring communities together through shared experiences. From dance classes and yoga to multi-sports games and family fitness sessions, there was truly something for everyone.

One of the standout moments of the weekend was the Unity and the Community Football Tournament, held on Sunday at Paddington Recreation Ground. Working in partnership with Everyone Active, ActiveWestminster and the invaluable support of Ballers of London , the tournament saw 223 participants across 21 teams compete in four different age categories, showcasing talent, teamwork, and the power of sport to unite.

The event was made even more special with the presence of the Lord Mayor of Westminster, who joined the community on the day. The Lord Mayor not only cheered on participants but also had the honour of blowing the starting whistle for the U16s match and presenting medals to winning teams and outstanding players.

The ActiveWestminster Weekend is part of a broader council’s strategy to promote physical activity and healthy living across the borough, while highlighting the importance of accessible sports for everyone. Organisers praised the enthusiasm of the community, the dedication of volunteers, and the collaborative spirit of all partners involved.

 Congratulations to all participants. These are the winners in each category for August 2025:

  • U10s – Warsa FC
  • U12s – London Tigers
  • U14s – Warsa FC
  • U16s – London Capital

As Westminster looks ahead to more community-focused events in 2025, this weekend served as a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations and residents come together to celebrate movement, unity, and wellbeing.

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: April’s NSC Spotlight

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On The Ground - Sharing Your Stories: April's NSC Spotlight

Jumping into Joy: Family Parkour in Full Swing!

This month, we’re flipping the spotlight on of the awesome parents and kids who’ve been leaping, climbing, and laughing their way through our Family Parkour Sessions — and loving every second of it!

parkour nsc on the ground

 

But before we dive into their stories, meet the powerhouse behind it all: Parkour Generations London.

These folks don’t just do parkour — they live it. From creating the world’s biggest parkour teaching program to performing on international stages, working with filmmakers, advising governments, and even exploring the science behind movement, they are the real deal.

And the best part? They believe movement can change lives. Whether it’s a Hollywood stunt or a Sunday morning hop with your kid, Parkour Generations London brings that same passion and purpose to everything they do.

Family Parkour Sessions:

  • St Augustine’s (NW)
  • Sundays, 11:00–11:30 a.m.

Perfect for parents and kids who want to move, bond, and have a blast!

See below some the heartwarming, high-energy stories from families who’ve been jumping into something new — together.

Here’s what the participants had to say:

These Parkour classes have put me back into shape, while having fun with my kids! - Fred. We started when my son was 5 and he's now 11- we keep coming back! Chris is a fantastic teacher. He has such a perfect tone when communicating with the kids - he's fun, gentle and clear. He's also great at helping the adults to make progress - I've learnt a lot from his suggestions. It's quite a feat to make a class that works for both a 3 year old and a 45 year old! Hats off to him. My son loves him too, because he's so encouraging and positive. Can't speak highly enough about this class, really. It's such a wholesome, fun, nourishing thing to do on a Sunday morning!
Effie
Parkour Generations London - Family Sessions User
It’s one of the highlights of each week. The kids absolutely love it and we plan our Sundays around it. Chris is the most unbelievable coach. If it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure we would be attending every week. He’s so encouraging and wonderful with the kids, endlessly patient and very very kids and supportive to the parents!
Jo
Parkour Generations London - Family Sessions User

Interested in other physical activity sessions?

Then discover everything else the NSC programme has to offer — just hit the button below!

NSC Programme

Want to share your experience?

Your stories inspire us — and others! If you’ve taken part in an NSC session and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to reach out.

Share your NSC story

Move and Meet the Community with ActiveWestminster Weekend on 12 & 13 April!

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Move and Meet the Community with ActiveWestminster Weekend on 12 & 13 April!

ActiveWestminster Weekend is back in partnership with Everyone Active to bring all you lovely residents of Westminster FREE fitness classes, sports events and taster sessions to get you moving whilst engaging with your local community. Our annual Unity in the Community Football Tournament will also be part of the schedule this year. Make sure you sign up soon for this one – Registrations close Friday 11 April!

This a a great opportunity to visit our sport and leisure facilities, and try new activities or restart ones you might not have engaged in for a while. Activities are open to all residents, including children and families (some age restrictions may apply – please check in advance to avoid disappointment) as well as visitors. 

Below is a list of all the participating centres:

To find out what going on head over to Everyone Actives ActiveWestminster Weekend Information page.

Please note that places per activity are limited. To avoid disappointment and help keep staff and participants safe, please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to sessions in order to complete registration with a member of staff. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult at all times.  

You will also have the chance to sign up for our ActiveWestminster Card. This is a free card for people who live or study in Westminster and gives access to a range of discounted activities such as group exercise classes, swimming and racquet sports. You will also be able to learn more about Everyone Active’s memberships. 

 

aw weekend general website feature
unity in the community

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Show off Your Fancy Footwork!

That’s right all you footballers out there! The Unity in the Community Football Tournament is a part of the Active Westminster Weekend this year on Sunday 13th April. There will be a Mixed Football Tournament as well a Girls Football Festival. Make sure you sign up soon –Registrations close Friday 11 April!

Find out more and sign up!

If you have any questions about the ActiveWestminster weekend, please contact us.