A NEW nature reserve planned for Bradford will celebrate the district’s “stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife.”

And members of the public are being asked which area of Bradford should be given the new status.

Natural England are working with Bradford Council to decare an area of the district as a new National Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserves help protect some of our most important habitats and species, and can provide opportunities for the public to experience wildlife first hand and learn more about nature.

A survey has been created to gather views from the area on where local communities would like to see allocated as a nature reserve.

Sites suggested include Ilkley Moor, Baildon Moor and Shipley Glen, St Ives Estate and Hirst Wood.

The consultation on the National Nature Reserve runs until January 10.

It says: “This new National Nature Reserve will celebrate the stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife we have in and around Bradford.

“National Nature Reserves also help protect, restore and help us to appreciate and restore nationally important biodiversity (animals and plants) and/or geodiversity (e.g. rocks, fossils, minerals and landforms).

“They are also places for people to come and enjoy nature, learn more about it and do something to help nature close to where they live.”

The suggested locations in the consultation are

  • Baildon Moor and Shipley Glen
  • Ilkley Moor
  • St Ives Estate
  • Harden Moor
  • Esholt Estate (Thackley and Spring Woods)
  • Hirst Wood Tong and surrounding area

Smaller sites around the district could benefit from Natural England’s plans – even if they themselves do not become the new National Nature Reserve.

Potential “secondary sites” included in the consultation include Marley Country Park, Bingley Bogs, Judy Woods and Northcliffe Park.

Those taking part in the application will be asked how far they would be willing to travel to visit a nature reserve, and what transport links would need to be provided for the site to attract visitors.

People are asked to list the “must have” facilities that should be present at the newly christened attraction, such as public toilets, a café, car park and visitors centre.

The consultation asks what the main benefits people think would arise from an area being classed as a National Nature Reserve, including highlighting Bradford’s cultural heritage and improving access to green space and wildlife for people living in urban areas.

The Telegraph & Argus has contacted Natural England for more details on the planned Nature Reserve, but has yet to receive a response.

To take part in the survey visit here