NIDD Gorge is set to set receive a major cash injection as part of plans to restore the area's woodland.
The wood will get generous Gift Aid funding from the Waste Recycling Group Ltd, administered by WREN.
A total of £29,396 is to be shared between the Nidd Gorge and another site near Barnsley, which is a similar area of woodland.
The area set to
receive the funding is at Scotton Banks, a popular walking area situated alongside the River Nidd near the Appleby estate.
A two year programme of careful restoration will encourage a greater array of wildlife to existing woodland in the Nidd Gorge, thanks to money from the fund.
Knaresborough’s Nidd Gorge is an area of ancient semi-natural woodland that has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD, says the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.
Well-loved by local people and visitors to the area, it contains a stunning array of plant and animal life.
Chair of the Nidd Gorge Conservation Group, Mrs Pat Tankard said: “Although our group looks after the Nidd Gorge at the Knaresborough end so to speak, we are delighted to hear about this additional funding for the Scotton area.
“We welcome anything that helps to improve the Nidd Gorge area. This is certainly good news for everyone.”
In the past, the wood would have been covered in native broadleaved trees, but in parts of the wood those trees have been removed and replanted with conifers.
Many woods across the UK were replanted with conifers over the second half of the last century and have become poorer habitats for wildlife as a result.
Removal of its non-native conifers will take place throughout 2008 and 2009, allowing light back to the woodland floor and encouraging native plants to rejuvenate.
The Woodland Trust will also improve public access and paths through the wood.
Peter Cox, Managing Director of WREN, said: “Encouraging native British flora to flourish in the woods is a really important project. Although the process is slow this ensures existing wildlife is disturbed as little as possible.
“Improving woodland conditions will encourage more native plants and animals to make the woods their home. We’re delighted to be able to help.”
To find out more about Nidd Gorge or other Woodland Trust sites in Yorkshire log on to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
l If you would like to help with the work of the Nidd Gorge Conservation Group in Knaresborough, please call Pat Tankard on 01423 866400.
maggie.gell@ypn.co.uk
