Thanks to National Lottery players the project will help promote the wildlife habitat of Churchfield in Denby Dale and to make available information about the history of the area surrounding the field.

Key outputs include:

• The grant will be used to enhance the biodiversity of Churchfield by providing more trees, shrubs and wildflowers to sustain wildlife and by appropriately positioned bat and bird boxes
• The Friends will install onsite interpretation boards featuring the natural and built heritage of Churchfield which offers fine views over the valley and dramatic viaduct
• Improved access to the land will enable wheelchair users and parents with buggies to enjoy the site and its new picnic tables. The much used public path has recently been resurfaced by Kirklees
• A website with information about local history and wildlife will be developed and updated to reflect seasonal changes

The Friends of Churchfield are all volunteers, some of whom meet regularly on the land to maintain it with the blessing of both Kirklees Council and the Parish Council who support the group through their Countryside Officer.

[quote=Barbara Priest, Chair of the Friends of Churchfield]"This generous grant will enable us to improve Churchfield."[/quote]

The Group have plans to run stone wall building courses in the new year and invite anyone from the village to join in their current activities of planting and general maintenance of the land.

Contact can be made either via their Facebook page, Friends of Churchfield, Denby Dale.

Barbara Priest, the Chair of the Friends of Churchfield, said  “This generous grant, will enable us to improve Churchfield for the benefit of both people and wildlife. More native and fruit trees and wildflowers will increase the insect and birdlife. We have workdays planned for October and November."

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that The Friends of Churchfield can embark on a real journey of discovery. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”

Further information

Barbara Priest, Chair of the Friends of Churchfield on email: philipandbarbara@talktalk.net