I AM the central parks ranger and I am looking for people who care about Southampton's central parks to join the new Friends of Central Parks group.

Originally set out in the 1840s, the parks were restored to their current glory in 2000 with the aid of a £3.5m Heritage Lottery grant. As well as a facinating variety of trees, shrubs, rose gardens, herbaceous plants, alpines and bedding, it has a skatepark, cricket squares, tennis courts, and a putting green open through the summer and a popular licensed cafe.

Soon we hope to replace the play area with an unique cutting edge play area environment for children of all ages and abilities. There are several listed monuments as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Peace Fountain.

We have been awarded the Green Flag Award for four years running, in most part due to the diligent work of the 11 gardeners, and we are hoping to win our fifth flag this year.

But to help build on our success, we need the help of Southampton citizens to join our friends group and input your ideas for improvement and help to protect them for future generations.

The group would be independent of the city council and offers you the chance to have your say. There is even the possibility of the Friends Group securing Government funding for projects.

Meetings might be held quarterly, but that can be decided by the group. If you are unable to attend, your letters or e-mails with your ideas will still be considered and discussed.

We will be holding an informal meeting at the newly refurbished sports pavilion in Hoglands Park on Monday, May 12 from 7pm and it would be great to see you. If you are interested in joining and contributing please contact me.

GARY OSROFT, central parks ranger, Tel 07909 535882 gary.oscroft@southampton.gov.uk.