Anti-flood project to 'help nature thrive'

A project to "help nature to thrive", improve water quality and reduce the risk of flooding on the River Aire has been completed in Bradford.

The restoration work at Northcliffe Dike in Shipley is part of the Better Becks project, which is working to reduce flooding risks and enhance habitats along the middle section of the River Aire.

Staff from the Aire Rivers Trust (ART) used natural flood management techniques – such as building leaky dams and removing non-native invasive plants - to help store water naturally.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said she hoped the work would "create a greener, nature-rich region that works for all".

Northcliffe Dike flows through Northcliffe Woods and runs into Bradford Beck, a major tributary of the River Aire.

Due to the naturally steep topography and a history of mining on both sides of the valley, the area has suffered from erosion, unstable soil and a lack of undergrowth.

Organisers hope restoring wetlands, reducing the amount of silt and other pollutants entering the river and tackling invasive species will help combat these issues.

River Enhancement Officer Jim Hirst said the team had also repaired a section of footpath in the woods and installed drainage grips to "divert surface water across the hillside, reducing runoff and helping to slow the flow of water".

The project was funded by the Environment Agency and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Environment Agency project manager Ineke Jackson said the work would "bring a welcome boost to biodiversity" in the area.

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