How trees in the fields of 17th century Bradford manor house could help fight flooding

Under a National Trust project, and with the help of local people, it is hoped the 'wet woodland' could help clean air in Keighley while building a thriving habitat.

Nick Chuck is ranger at the National Trust site, with a 17th century hall at its centre built by the wealthy Halifax clot hier James Murgatroyd in 1642.

These fields, prone to flooding in winter, have traditionally been used for grazing and as an overflow car park, but in the Boxing Day floods of 2015 fencing was washed downstream.

Now, with 1,000 trees planted earlier this year, and plans for up to 2,500 more, it could mark a turning point to ease flood risk.

"I'm a big fan of trees," said Mr Chuck. "Planting trees is the best wildlife habitat by far. We're hoping it can be really nice, in time. This doesn't have to be lost land."

Sand martins are known to nest in the river's banks, while otters have been spotted from the hall. There are two pairs of barn owls, and more than 50 species of birds.

Last Sunday Mr Chuck saw a little egret. There are so many deer they have rubbed the bark from a half dozen trees.

"I've been here 18 years, we've never needed protection from deer before," he smiled.

It is hoped the new woodland will encourage even more species to the area. Native saplings, such as birch, hazel, alder, blackthorn and hawthorn, have been planted to create a wet woodland, with 'scrapes' or seasonal ponds, that can hold back water when it floods.

Such woodlands can provide a buffer against pollutants, while sequestering carbon, but are becoming rarer with development and invasion by species such as Himalayan balsam.

Mr Chuck said: "As well as releasing oxygen, these trees are using and storing huge quantities of water.

"They are helping to defend locations downstream, protecting them from flooding. Others can come see what can be done, with land sustaining ponds."

Visitors are now encouraged to visit the site, as this week marks Great Big Green Week. A tree trail runs from the hall along the river, with interpretation boards.

With the first 1,500 trees already put to ground with the help of community volunteers, the National Trust is preparing for the next stage of planting early next year.

To Mr Chuck, who came to the site as a gardener 18 years ago before going on to become ranger caring for pathways and landscapes , this is just sensible care.

"I always try to plant a few, every year,” he said. “Planting 1,000 this year is super. I'm hoping for many more."

National Trust countryside manager Rosie Holdsworth, said: “The wet woodland we’re creating at East Riddlesden Hall will be transformational, encouraging a range of species – many of them rare due to the diminishing habitat – into the area.

“Once established, the trees will capture atmospheric carbon while also soaking up rainwater in their roots, providing a natural flood defence to places downstream including Bradford and Leeds.

"We’re already seeing the impacts of extreme weather events caused by climate change, and the time is now to do what we can to protect places and people.

“Involving the community has been key to this project, and we’ve been delighted with the number of visitors who continue to show an interest after a good turn-out when people were invited to get involved with the first phase of planting.

“We’ve seen from our work at East Riddlesden that people know the value of improving and looking after our woodlands, and during Great Big Green Week it’s important everyone continues to share these messages.

“Great Big Green Week is about celebrating those everyday actions we all can take to combat climate harm, and even learning more about why we look after these special places – and educating others when you can – makes a huge difference.

“Of course, when the next trees are ready to go in the ground, it would be great to see people pull a pair of gloves on and come down to help with the planting.”