Field is set to be transformed into nature trail and wildlife meadow
A NEW nature trail and wildlife meadow will be created thanks to the work of a residents’ group.
The under-construction trail will create a new link from the Higher Coach Road area of Baildon along the River Aire and to the Hirst Wood area.
There will be an area of wildflower planting and improvements to the surrounding area – which is currently an overgrown field next to Roberts Park.
The Higher Coach Road Residents’ Association has been pushing for a footpath on the site for several years – as long as the group has been running.
Along with Bradford Council’s Landscape Design and Conservation Team, the group has now secured the support of Pocket Parks Plus, Local Transport Plan and Baildon Town Council to fund the scheme.
Work has already started on the site.
‘It’s a great to help the residents’ group realise their ambitions.’
There will also be signage placed up around the site containing details of local wildlife and other walking trails, along with timber steps and handrails on the riverside embankments adjacent to an existing foot bridge near Hirst Mill.
Native trees will be planted along the pathway and timber seating located near the footpaths to encourage people to stop and enjoy the space.
As well as providing a new facility to residents and visitors, it is hoped the trail will add to Roberts Park’s offer.
It will provide much better access to the river and Leeds/Liverpool Canal for people living on the Baildon side of Roberts Park.
Although the field is a public area, it is not as well maintained as the park, and gets muddy in winter.
Joseph Kean, from the residents’ group, said: “We’ve been campaigning for this for four years.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, of Bradford Council, said: “The Higher Coach Road Residents’ Group have been working on improvements for their community for a while so it’s great to help them realise their ambitions.”