Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve

The Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire and is the result of a partnership between Natural England and Bradford Council.

The National Nature Reserve (NNR) forms part of the King’s Series, a national initiative to protect and celebrate the natural heritage of the United Kingdom, and Natural England’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity and access to nature for communities.

The area spans 1,272 hectares across eight sites within the Bradford & South Pennines area: Ilkley Moor, Penistone Hill Country Park (in Haworth), Shipley Glen, Baildon Moor, Trench Meadows (near Shipley Glen), St Ives Estate (Bingley), Harden Moor and Bingley Bog North.

All the sites are owned and managed by Bradford Council and link two internationally important upland habitats within the South Pennines Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Approximately 90% of the area comprises UK priority habitats, including peat bogs, heathlands, and wetlands. Endangered wildlife such Adders, Curlew, and Golden plover will benefit from greater protections and better-connected habitats. 42% of the reserve will be newly protected, with 738 hectares (58%) designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), contributing to national conservation efforts to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

As work on the Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR progresses, the aim is to create more opportunities for communities to connect with nature and improve health and wellbeing. Links will also be made with schools, colleges and universities for educational and cultural benefits form the sites.

More information on the Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve, including maps, can be found on the Natural England website.