WORK is continuing on a scheme to create a 'pollinator pathway' in parts of Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley.

Friends of Nidderdale AONB is on the second stage of a two-year mission to restore and enhance some 44 hectares of grassland in the southern half of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Funded by a £42,000 Biffa Award, the project is creating a network of wildflower-friendly hay meadows to connect with existing, species-rich grassland in areas including Otley, Thruscross, Timble and Birstwith.

The resulting 'pathway' will support species of insects and flowers that have been struggling due to a loss of habitat and changes in farming practice.

The Friends group began the seed harvesting and spreading work for the meadows, in collaboration with local farmers, in 2016.

Chair Heather Garnett said: "It’s great to see how interested local people are in this project.

"People learning about hay meadows at our events are enthusiastically seeking ways of encouraging more pollinators in their gardens or other areas of land.

"We plan to invite them to see some of the improved meadows next summer."

Nidderdale AONB Biodiversity Project Officer, Kelly Harmar, added: "We are delighted with how well the seeding work has gone over the past two years and look forward to following the progress of each meadow as the new seed germinates and flourishes."

Biffa Award, meanwhile, said it was happy to be supporting the scheme.

Head of Grants Gillian French said: "This funding will help restore this important grassland and bring in rarer species of wildflower."