Eight new Local Nature Reserves in the Bradford district

Following West Yorkshire’s first National Nature Reserve (NNR) designation, the Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR, the Council has been working with Friends Of groups across the district, Natural England, and Wharfedale Naturalists trustee Steve Parkes to designate the new LNRs. 

The consultation for the NNR was one of Natural England’s highest response-rated consultations, with 2,214 responses.

The results showed there are many sites across the district treasured by residents for the wildlife they support and opportunities they provide to get involved with active management.

Judy Bridge at Judy Woods (Image: Bradford Council)

How the Local Nature Reserves were selected

Sites were selected because of their value for wildlife, where active Friends Of or other groups are in place, plus management plans - a requirement of the designation.

The designation of LNRs is possible under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and is intended to protect areas for wildlife and people’s engagement with them.

Whilst the NNR includes sites in the centre and north of the district, Bradford Council said it is keen that people across the district benefit from the raised profile the designation provides.

Wild garlic at Park Wood (Image: Bradford Council)

New Local Nature Reserves in the Bradford district

• Judy Woods (Royds and Wyke Wards)
• Littlemoor Park (Queensbury)
• Low Wood (Craven)
• Middleton Woods (Ilkley)
• Northcliffe Park (Shipley)
• Park Wood (Keighley)
• Prince of Wales Park (Bingley)
• Undercliffe Cemetery (Bolton and Undercliffe)

Undercliffe Cemetery (Image: Bradford Council) It will 'boost the profile of these excellent wildlife sites'

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.

"We have to say a big thank you to Natural England and Steve Parkes from Wharfedale Naturalists for their help identifying and designating the LNRs.”

Excitement over Local Nature Reserve

Carolyn Bowe, chair of the Friends of Littlemoor Park, said: “We’re very excited to be designating Littlemoor Park as a Local Nature Reserve.

"Our Friends Of group has been working with Bradford Council to manage habits in the park for nature and people.

"The LNR designation will help us to continue to do this, but also bring in funding and people to help us do even more.”

The meadow at Northcliffe Park (Image: Bradford Council)

Making Bradford a 'bigger, better and more joined up place for wildlife to thrive'

Paul Duncan, area 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 – making it 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.

"Having a better connection to nature on the doorstep for so many people really is a cause for celebration.”