Eight new nature reserves designated in district

Eight beauty spots across Bradford district have been designated as new nature reserves in a bid to boost wildlife and improve access to green spaces.

Sites in Keighley, Queensbury, Ilkley and Shipley have been selected as part of Bradford Council's bid for residents to benefit from spending time in nature.

The authority worked with friends of groups across the district, Natural England and Wharfedale Naturalists trustee Steve Parkes to secure designation for the sites.

Paul Duncan, deputy director for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire at Natural England, said: "Creating these new local nature reserves is another step along the road of enhancing the biodiversity of Bradford."

He said the project would help make the city a "bigger, better and more joined up place for wildlife to thrive".

"These reserves will increase opportunities for leisure, recreation, and improved access to vital green spaces," Mr Duncan said.

The sites that have been given local nature reserve designation, following a consultation by Natural England, are:

Low Wood near Riddlesden, Keighley

Park Wood, Keighley

Judy Woods, near Wyke

Littlemoor Park, Queensbury

Middleton Woods, Ilkley

Northcliffe Park, Shipley

Prince of Wales Park, Bingley

Undercliffe Cemetery

Carolyn Bowe, chair of the Friends of Littlemoor Park, said the designation would mean the group could "bring in funding and people to help us do even more".

It follows the announcement that a new nature reserve on the landscape that inspired the Brontë sisters would be created in Bradford.

The Bradford Pennine Gateway is the first of its type in the county and is part of the King's Series of 25 National Nature Reserves being developed across the country.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "The designation of these new local nature reserves will boost the profile of these excellent wildlife sites, encourage people to visit and join the friends of groups for the physical and mental health benefits and strengthen resilience of nature in Bradford district."

Natural England's green infrastructure standards suggest that a district with the population of Bradford should have 550 hectares of local nature reserves.

The council has said it will continue to look for more sites that are suitable for local nature reserve designation to improve access to nature for residents.

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