Diversity & Inclusion

Let It Grow: Westminster Embraces No Mow May

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.

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

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

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

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

Become a Walk Leader and Help Westminster Get Moving!

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

ActiveWestminster Weekend Brings Community Together Through Sport and Physical Activity

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.

These were the winners in each category:

  • U10s – Westway
  • U12s – London Capital
  • U14s – Eribri (Sport Empowered)
  • U16s – Rockingham FC

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

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!

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.

Fun times ahead this Easter with Edutain and Edutain+ Holiday Camps!

Fun times ahead this Easter with Edutain and Edutain+ Holiday Camps!

Are you looking for ways to keep the kids active this Easter? 

Look no further! As always The Edutain+ and Edutain holiday camps are going to be running and providing a supportive, inclusive and vibrant environment where children from all walks of life can participate in a variety of activities.

Edutain+, Inclusive Fun for Children with Disabilities! 

Edutain+ is specially designed for children with disabilities, offering a range of engaging activities to keep them active and entertained.

Dates: 

  • 1st Week: Tuesday 8th April, Wednesday 9th April, and Thursday 10th April
  • 2nd Week: Tuesday 15th April, Wednesday 16th April and Thursday 17th April.                                                                                                  

Time: 10am – 3pm

Ages: 8 – 16

Location: Academy Sports Centre – Torquay Street, W2 5EW

For more information, call 07891 386 688 or email leonard.lionel@sportwestminster.org

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED*

Get Active this Easter With Edutain!

Looking for a way to get the kids to burn all that energy from the easter eggs? Make sure you sign them up for the Edutain Easter Camp!

From sports, and drama to arts and crafts, the camp team will keep the kids active and busy in a fun, engaging and safe environment. 

Dates: 

  • 1st Week: Monday 7th – Friday 11th April
  • 2nd Week: Monday 14th – Thursday 17th April

Time:

10am – 3pm

Ages:

8–13

Two Locations:

  • Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW
  • Community Centre (Under Morgan House), Lillington Gardens, SW1V 2LF

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

For more information, call 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

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