A DRAFT management plan setting out a vision for Ilkley Moor has gone out to public consultation.

The moor is the largest outdoor resource owned and managed by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

The plan sets out the vision for the moor and how the Council and its partners will manage this iconic landscape over the coming years.

It sets out in detail the important natural and semi-natural habitats to be found on the moor and how they support wildlife such as moorland birds.

It explains how habitats will be managed so that they can be sustained into the future. The recreational and cultural aspects of the moor are also described and ways in which the moor can be protected from erosion, wild fires and other threats.

This also includes grouse shooting which is currently licensed until 2018. This allows the Bingley Moor Partnership to shoot grouse for up to eight days per season.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The plan is an important statement and acknowledges how highly valued the moor is – in terms of its wildlife, recreational opportunities, its cultural and historic significance to the district as a whole and beyond.

“In the plan, we have also tried to address wider issues such as how the moor may have to adapt to climate change and the possible role it can play in helping with flood mitigation.”

The draft plan has been approved by the Council’s Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee and is now published for public comment until November 20 .

It can be seen in paper copy at all public libraries and Visitor Information Centres in the Bradford District and is available to read and download from the Council’s Current Consultations web-page at: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/consultations/current-consultations/consultation-and-engagement/).

Comments can be posted or e-mailed to the Countryside and Rights of Way Service at the Council (row.consultations@bradford.gov.uk)

Following the public consultation the plan will be referred back to Bradford Council's Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee to approve a final version prior to being signed off by Natural England.