Work to make it easier for residents of the Bradford district to access the countryside around the area has been announced.
The Government and Natural England has announced a number of “nature recovery projects” across the country – with one of the six schemes involving Bradford.
The local work will see the partnership teaming with Bradford City of Culture to “highlight the environmental links between the industrial heartlands of West Yorkshire and the moors which define them.”
Nationally the project involves 176,000 hectares of land across England and will “create improved and better-connected habitats for wildlife and improve public access to nature.”
Apart from Bradford, work will take place in Cumbria, the Tees Estuary and Surrey.
The work in Bradford and South Pennines, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire will span 30,000 hectares.
The Government announcement said: “The partnership will restore and enhance the condition of the upland peat landscapes in the South Pennines, restoring habitats for moorland birds such as the endangered twite.
“Natural Flood Management techniques will benefit communities at risk of flooding in the Calder Valley with the creation of intertwining mosaics of wetland habitats.
“Green corridors will also be created, linking upland sites to the urban environment and industrial heartlands and allowing wildlife to move freely.
“The project will work closely with community groups and the NHS, providing opportunities to connect the people of Bradford and West Yorkshire with nature on their doorstep.
“Working with Bradford City of Culture 2025, the project will encourage sustainable access to nature and highlight the environmental links between the industrial heartlands of West Yorkshire and the moors which define them.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Bradford was chosen because of its surrounding countryside, its high-quality green spaces and the diverse communities that live close to them and enjoy them.
“There is also huge potential for nature recovery – something that we are working hard on in the District along with our partners and local communities – from our urban parks to our woodlands and moorlands.”
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “These nature recovery projects will enrich our landscapes for wildlife, develop resilience to climate change, catch carbon and help to clean up air and water. They will help restore entire ecosystems, allowing many species of wild animals and plants to spread and thrive. They will also enhance the opportunities people have to make the most of the wellbeing benefits that come with connecting to the natural world.”
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