Dr Amir Khan opens Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park in Leeds with Canal and River Trust

And he appealed for local people to join the charity’s volunteers who look after the park, which showcases the beauty and heritage of the city’s waterways.

During his visit Dr Khan planted a mountain ash tree (also known as a rowan tree), to mark the opening of the park.

This native species, covered in flowers in spring and fruit in the autumn, is a rich source of food for wildlife throughout the year.

At 230-metres-long, Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park is the city’s longest linear waterfront park and sits between the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Planted with wildflowers, seasonal plants and grassland to increase biodiversity within the city centre, the park offers a wildlife and wellbeing haven where people can enjoy spending time by water.

Dr Amir Khan said: “It’s wonderful not only see this fantastic new park but to be able to contribute to it and plant this mountain ash tree. Once blighted by invasive species and discarded litter, it’s being transformed into a place to relax and feel the benefits of spending time by water, and a space where wildlife can thrive in the heart of the city.

“The Canal and River Trust really need your support to help look after this new waterside treasure. You can volunteer your time: help with planting, create wildlife habitats, or make a donation. It’s lush – so let’s look after it.”

The Bradford-born doctor has been a GP in West Yorkshire for more than a decade, and has appeared on television series GPs: Behind Closed Doors before making regular appearances on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain.

He is involved with other nature organisations, such as the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts, and author of books including How (Not) to Have an Arranged Marriage, which will be released later this year.

Dr Khan unveiled the new garden in Leeds on Monday, June 13.

Robin Dark, volunteer team leader at the Canal and River Trust, said: “This once overgrown site, full of invasive species and discarded litter has been turned into a welcoming green haven, helping to bring the countryside into the city and encourage wildlife to thrive in the heart of Leeds.

“But this is only the beginning - the park needs ongoing TLC, to keep up with seasonal planting and to keep it pristine.

"If you’re interested in gardening and looking after the environment for wildlife, you could join our Volunteer Garden Party, create your own gardening group or do a one-off volunteering day.”

Individuals and businesses can get involved with volunteering to look after the garden, and others like it, by offering their free time, planting, picking up litter and creating new habitats. Donations are also welcomed.

The Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park has been delivered in partnership by the Canal and River Trust, Leeds City Council and Groundwork federation of charities.

Funding for the park has come from Leeds City Council's city centre enhancements fund along with money from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government’s Pocket Park Fund, and The Veolia Environmental Trust’s Landfill Communities Fund.

The Trust believes that time spent by water can help people feel happier and healthier and that the 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales looked after by the organisation brings a £1.1 billion cost saving to the NHS.

The organisation was launched in 2012, taking over the guardianship of British Waterways’ canals, rivers, rservoirs and docks in England and Wales.

It creates new routes to work and places to enjoy across the country, while helping thousands of people develop their confidence and learn new skills through numerous projects.

To find out about the work of the Canal and River Trust and how people can support the work of the charity visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk. To volunteer at the new Leeds site, email Robin at [email protected]