An £80,000 project to reduce flood risk and bring a boost to wildlife and habitat in West Yorkshire is complete.
The three-month scheme at Chellow Dene Wetlands, near Bradford, includes a new flood storage area to hold back water during heavy rain.
It has been delivered by Aire Rivers Trust in partnership with the Environment Agency, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Britvic, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Rivers Trust and Friends of Bradford’s Becks.
As part of the work meanders have been created in the Chellow Dene Beck to bypass a weir and create a more natural flow to allow fish to move freely and bringing better habitat for wildlife.
A leaky dam installed in the beck will hold back rain during periods of heavy rain allowing flood water to enter the plain rather than impact on properties downstream.
This will then slowly release the water back into the beck. It’s expected the wetlands will hold an extra 183 cubic metres of water, which will reduce flood risk to 18 properties nearby.
Completing the project is the planting of wildflower seeds, which will produce a vibrant display of wetland wildflowers, attracting pollinators and other important wildlife.
The local Scout group has also planted Alder and Bird cherry trees on site that will provide food and shelter to birds and insects.
Simon Watts, Operations Manager at the Aire Rivers Trust added:
“Urban wetlands are vital spaces for nature in our cities. This project shows how they can bring multiple benefits to Bradford. With the help of our funders, we’re protecting future water supplies from drought and pollution, reducing the risk of flooding for local people and allowing nature to flourish on our doorsteps. It will be exciting to watch the site develop alongside our volunteers over the coming year”
Ineke Jackson, project manager for the Environment Agency, added:
“This important project is helping to improve biodiversity and water quality and mitigate flood risk, bringing a variety of improvements for people and wildlife.
“It’s also opening up better community access to the beck, wetlands and surrounding area, connecting people with nature and all the benefits that brings.”
