Communities in Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales will participate in bioblitz, citizen science events, and heritage trails. Thanks to the National Lottery, over £18million has been invested in over 36 projects during the Yorkshire’s back garden campaign. A further £124,800 has now been awarded, continuing investment in the area's wildlife and habitats.

[quote=David Renwick, Head of HLF Yorkshire and Humber]"Our green spaces and landscapes give our towns, cities and countryside their sense of place."[/quote]

Meanwood Valley: Wilderness on your Doorstep

Leeds City Council and Meanwood Valley Partnership received £65,000 to connect communities with sites in this green artery between Leeds city centre and the countryside. Over the next 30 months volunteers will be recruited to participate in wildlife conservation tasks.

Janet Matthews, Meanwood Valley Partnership, said: “We would love to thank National Lottery players for giving us this opportunity to celebrate the wonderful Meanwood Valley and the wealth of wildlife that is found here.”

Securing the Future of Ashes Pasture, a Natural icon of the Yorkshire Dales

A grant of £59,800 will help Yorkshire Wildlife Trust purchase the remaining land of the Ashes Pasture Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Ribblesdale. The site is home to curlew and other wading birds and access will be opened up with a heritage trail and virtual tour.

Jonathan Leadley, Northern Regional Manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “This beautiful hay meadow is a natural icon of the Dales and this grant helps us secure the future of the wildlife that lives there and will enable us to open up the site for people to visit, whilst protecting the fragile beauty of the site.”