A huge swathe of green space in the Bradford District has been designated a “national nature reserve” known as the Bradford Pennine Gateway.
The 1,274 hectare reserve links numerous beauty spots in the District, including Ilkley Moor, Penistone Country Park, and Baildon Moor, and will be the first National Nature Reserve in West Yorkshire.
The Nature Reserve was announced by Natural England, which said the designation will “provide people with opportunity to enjoy the landscapes that inspired and were celebrated by the Bronte Sisters.”
As part of the designation there will be a push to encourage more people living in urban areas of Bradford to experience the natural beauty on their doorstep.
The reserve is the seventh in the King’s Series and covers an area twice the size of Ilkley Moor.
It links together eight nature sites within the Bradford and South Pennines area, two of which are internationally important upland habitats.
It includes sites in Baildon, Bingley, Burley, Harden, Haworth, Stanbury and Ilkley.
A statement from Natural England said: “The establishment of this reserve will bridge this gap between the city of Bradford and the countryside by highlighting a range of important habitats just a stone’s throw from people’s homes.
“A National Nature Reserve next to one of the UK’s youngest cities will also help to break down barriers for young people accessing the countryside in one of England’s most nature deprived areas.”
Approximately 90 per cent of the area comprises UK priority habitats, including peat bogs, heathlands, and wetlands. Endangered wildlife such as Adders, Curlew, and Golden plover will benefit from greater protections and better-connected habitats.
42 per cent of the reserve will be newly protected, with 738 hectares (58 per cent) designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said: “Reversing the historic declines in nature and moving toward ecological recovery requires bigger, better and more joined up areas for nature to thrive. The opening of this reserve is an important moment in this journey, marking a significant achievement in our efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.
“By working with local partners providing accessible Nature near to urban areas, we are fostering a deeper connection between communities and nature, promoting wellbeing and inspiring the next generation to support biodiversity recovery.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We are delighted that Bradford has such an important role in the national roll-out National Nature Reserves across the country, being the first in West Yorkshire.
“Around two thirds of our district is rural, and we boast unique and breath-taking scenery. The creation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve ensures that these sites are protected and accessible for everyone in our district and beyond.”
By: Chris Young, LDRS
