Part of a Bradford district nature reserve will undergo major works to attract more wildlife and visitors.
The work is being funded by a local Muslim community group.
Earlier this month, Bingley North Bog was one of several sites in the district to be named as part of the new Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Now it has been announced that a £28,000 scheme called Project Rise will begin to protect the area’s habitat, reduce flood risk and bring more visitors to the bog.
Work, due to start in August, includes an improved footpath and a wildlife observation area.
The site, which sits between the A650 and Five Rise Locks to the north of Bingley, was formed 10,000 years ago from sediment left by a glacier that covered most of the Airedale area.
It formed a peat bog and wetland where birds including curlew, kingfishers, herons, mallards, coots and moorhens have been spotted.
The area has also attracted insects such as dragonflies and damselflies, as well as toads and bats.
Project Rise will be a joint scheme by Dawoodi Bohras Muslim Community which is entirely funding the £28,500 project, Bradford Council and the Aire Rivers Trust.
The work will include:
- Scraping to restore the wetland area
- Re-meandering the beck
- Creating a living wildlife observation screen
- Surfacing a footpath and installing new fencing
- Planting 1,000 trees to create a hedgerow
- Engaging local people to volunteer in the project.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This project will enhance the habitat and wildlife at Bingley North Bog and improve access for people as well as creating a lasting legacy for the future.
“It’s great timing just as we’ve made this area part of the Bradford Pennine Gateway and we are extremely grateful to the Dawoodi Bohras Muslim Community who have made this possible.”
Rachel Forsyth, CEO of Aire Rivers Trust, added: “Aire Rivers Trust works with landowners and communities to improve the rivers and becks that flow through the Aire valley.
“Releasing the beck from the culvert will improve the habitat at the site and the viewing area will provide a viewing area for the public.
“Also a wonderful way to celebrate the designation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR which will help to protect natural spaces around Bradford and make them more accessible for local people.”
Other areas in the new nature reserve include St Ives Estate, Ilkley Moor and Shipley Glen.
