AN old railway line in part of Bradford has been given a new lease of life.
The former Eccleshill railway line between Ravenscliffe and Fagley has been a hidden haven enjoyed by children over the decades.
Now, it is hoped more people will stomp into nature with a new dinosaur trail between the two estates.
The trail is part of an experiment to design public spaces around the needs and dreams of residents - young and old.
Volunteers at the Gateway Centre and social enterprise Street Space have been working since summer to create a new vision of the path.
The natural, rich wild feeling of the old Eccleshill railway line will stay the same whilst becoming more accessible and inviting.
It has come to life thanks to a £4,000 JUMP community grant.
The Dinosaur Trail was the winning idea of a vote by local residents and is being installed over half term.
People can pick up a trail sheet from Gateway Centre and follow the instructions on how to hunt for dinosaurs.
The creatures are hidden along the path as well as a secret code to collect a prize.
Street Space draws from local people’s ideas for their area and gives them the confidence to reimagine and shape their neighbourhoods.
Founder Phillippa Banister said: “If we want people to feel connected, safe, and welcome where they live and able to choose to walk more locally we need to reimagine some of the existing assets we have around us that have maybe been a little neglected or unloved over the years.
"Some experiments might not work but it’s fantastic to support local people to improve their area and bring wonderful ideas to life in the process.”
Caroline Swain, JUMP community engagement manager, described the old railway line as a hidden gem.
It links Fagley and Ravenscliffe to woodlands, bridle paths, and cycling routes as well as Leeds.
“The old Eccleshill Railway Line is a hidden gem,” Caroline said.
“It’s great to see the local community working together to make this space come to life as a wonderful place to come, be active, and be inspired.
“If you say to your children, ‘let’s go for a walk’, it’s like ‘oh I don’t want to’. But ‘let’s go find some dinosaurs’ - it makes it more fun.
“It’s amazing.
“This is just the start. There’s a lot of really positive things happening in Fagley and Ravenscliffe. They’re out litter-picking. There’s a forest school happening. We’ve got a lot of community members who really want to make a difference.”
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