A traffic-free travel link connecting Bradford with Kirklees has been extended to take in some of the hidden treasures of the district’s green spaces.

The Spen Valley Greenway is part of Route 66 of the National Cycle Network and an extension through an Oakenshaw beauty spot is complete.

It means visitors to the Toad Holes Beck nature reserve can now get there by bicycle or horse. The new link takes users from Oakenshaw to Commondale Way at the edge of the Euroway Trading Estate via the wildlife area.

Toad Holes Beck is home to many species of birds, including kingfishers, blackcaps and chiffchaffs, as well as dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and orchids. Members of the Oakenshaw Residents’ Association have been working to open up and restore the spot for four years.

On Saturday, residents joined ward councillor David Warburton and Dave Stevens, of national sustainable transport charity Sustrans, to celebrate the opening of the extended trail. The event was part of the reserve’s annual summer open day organised by Low Moor and Oakenshaw Conservation Group.

Mr Stevens said: “Summer is a great time for the people of Bradford and Kirklees to get outdoors and explore the places right on their doorsteps.

“Getting to Toad Holes Beck by bike or on foot from the Spen Valley Greenway means people can completely immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the wildlife around them. We’re really delighted to have created this better space for people to get closer to nature.”

Kath Windett, rights of way manager for Bradford Council, said: “This project has been a real example of partnership working. Although it’s only a short section of new bridleway, it is significant because it connects up to the local network, enabling people to walk, cycle and horse-ride to and through some of the many hidden treasures that lie in the green spaces between Bradford and Kirklees.”

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