Summer of events planned following
funding success for High Hirst Woodmeadow

High Hirst Woodmeadow - Hebden Royd Town Council's biodiversity site - has been successful at obtaining £7,200 from the National Lottery Community Fund's 'Together for our Planet' programme - a new £2.5m fund to help people to respond to the climate crisis in their local communities across the UK.

The money will be spent on developing new habitats on the site, improving access, and running a series of events and training aimed at developing traditional skills and knowledge of local wildlife and ecological issues. The programme of events will kick off with a day of activities for National Meadows Day on July 2nd, followed by scything and haymaking weekends in August.

Chair of the Climate Emergency Committee, Councillor Nikki Harvey, said:
"We are very pleased to have been awarded this money from the National Lottery to be able to continue to develop this exciting project. Hebden Royd Town Council recognises the importance of conserving and enhancing biodiversity in tackling climate change and our work at High Hirst Woodmeadow reflects this."

Wood meadows are mixtures of woodland and meadow that combine the biodiversity of both habitats and are exceptionally rich in life. The site - located between High Hirst allotments off Manor Drive and Sandy Gate - has been developed over the past year and now includes:

  • a community orchard of heritage fruit trees
  • Hedgerows around the site to encourage birds, insects and other wildlife into the area
  • A small willow coppice in a boggy area that will provide willow for leaky dams as well as help with flood management
  • Ancient meadow now being managed to benefit wildflowers and grasses (the site includes 39 plant species, including 11 that are considered 'indicator species' for ancient meadows.)

As well as the activities this year, there is a plan to start a Friends of High Hirst Woodmeadow Group to help develop the site in the future, with opportunities for volunteering and training. If you're interested in becoming involved with the site, please email jon.kedwards@hebdenroydtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Added: Thursday, 10 February 2022

Photos from Hebden Royd