A WILDLIFE charity will be starting a series of events in urban area of Bradford as part of a new project to get more people connected with nature.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has received almost £25,000 of funding for the project, which will work with people in areas of south Bradford.

The Leeds and Bradford Urban Engagement project will last 12 months and aims to consult with local people and groups to establish how to improve access to natural green spaces, and educate communities about the benefits of the natural world.

The Trust has received £5,000 of funding from Bradford Council for the project, and £19,990 from the People’s Postcode Lottery for the project, which will work in Wibsey, Low Moor, and Oakenshaw, as well as in Kirkstall, Armley and Bramley in Leeds.

A series of events and consultations will take place in the three areas, and through these community events the Trust will hold nature and wildlife craft experiences to improve people’s connection with nature and strengthen and reinforce the message that nature matters, both to wildlife and people.

Sarah Goldsmith, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s inspiring people officer, said: “We believe that people need a healthy environment as much as wildlife does.

“It is the foundation for so much that is of value to us – food, water, flood prevention, health, happiness and creative inspiration.

“Historically we have seen lower levels of environmental engagement in these areas of Bradford; cities are often seen as places that are devoid of nature, but urban areas have pockets of green spaces that are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife.

“This project should help improve people’s connection with nature and by taking ownership of their local green spaces, it is hoped that communities will understand and look after them, and support conservation work in their areas.”

Events will run in local parks and green spaces to find out what improvements and projects people want to encourage them to be outside more.

She added: “The events also aim to give people ideas about how to play, discover and explore these natural spaces through activities such as den building, wild food foraging and wildlife walks.

We have chosen these areas to work in as they have some fantastic wild spaces right in the heart of residential areas. Some of these spaces already have community groups that are doing a brilliant job of managing these sites, for example Oakenshaw Conservation Group , and so the Trust are working with these groups to encourage more community involvement and support the valuable work that they are doing.

The Trust are already involved in projects in North Bradford along the River Aire, improving habitats and supporting natural flood management but we recognise that it is essential for people to have access to wild spaces on their doorsteps and this project aims to reach people in more urban areas.”