King’s nature reserve in Bradford is West Yorkshire’s first

A new nature reserve which is twice the size of Ilkley Moor has been created in West Yorkshire.

The Bradford Pennine Gateway is the first of its type in the county and is part of the King’s Series of 25 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) being developed across the country to protect wildlife and to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

The reserve, which spans 3,148 acres (1,274 hectares) and is due to be launched on Tuesday, links eight nature sites within the Bradford & South Pennines area and includes Penistone Country Park in Haworth.

Tony Juniper, from Natural England, which is in charge of the NNRs’ roll-out, said the opening of the reserve was “a significant achievement”.

About 90% of the new reserve comprises UK priority habitats, including peat bogs, heathlands, and wetlands.

It was hoped that endangered wildlife such as adders, curlews, and golden plovers would benefit from greater protections and better connected habitats, according to Natural England.

Just over 40% of the Bradford Pennine Gateway reserve would be newly protected, with 1,824 acres (738 hectares) of it being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a spokesperson said.

Mr Juniper said: “Reversing the historic declines in nature and moving toward ecological recovery requires bigger, better, and more joined up areas for nature to thrive.

“The opening of this reserve is an important moment in this journey, marking a significant achievement in our efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.”

The idea behind the NNRs was to provide “accessible nature” near urban areas and to inspire the next generation to support biodiversity recovery, he said.

The Pennine Gateway landscape inspired the Brontë sisters, who lived in nearby Haworth.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, from Bradford Council, said: “We are delighted Bradford has such an important role in the national roll-out of National Nature Reserves across the country, being the first in West Yorkshire.

“Around two thirds of our district is rural, and we boast unique and breathtaking scenery.

“The creation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR ensures these sites are protected and accessible for everyone in our district and beyond.”

Natural England aims to create or extend a total of 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027, a target set down in 2023 after the King’s Coronation.

All the sites in the Bradford Pennine Gateway reserve are owned and managed by Bradford Council.