£400,000 set to improve city valley

The award by Natural England as part of its Access to Nature scheme – funded from the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces Programme – helps create a 524,000 funding pot for Wyke Beck Valley Pride, which aims to create a 'green corridor' through east Leeds.

The project will run for three years to enhance 82 hectares of the valley.

The Wyke Beck Valley runs from Roundhay Park to Rothwell Country Park through Gipton, Seacroft, Killingbeck, Primrose Valley and Halton Moor.

It is hoped people in the communities will benefit from better access to the valley and the waterway that runs through it.

Leeds Council and Green Leeds are also contributing to the budget, that will provide:

Habitat creation, pathside improvements and new signs.

A programme of environ-mental activities with schools and the public to encourage increased use of the valley.

Activities including autumn and springwatch events.

A junior rangers club.

Two dedicated posts and a project to encourage public and corporate volunteering.

Health and wildlife walks and school visits.

Wildlife surveys and nature conservation events.

A range of organisations, including Wyke Beck Community Forum, will organise the project.

Pauline Wright, a trustee of the Wyke Beck Valley Community Forum, said: "Some 15 years ago, along with a group of Wyke Beck Valley Road residents, I started campaigning to clean up the beck and get better protection for its wildlife, trees and open spaces.

"We've achieved a lot since then and this award will truly enable us to build Pride in our Valley."

The Community Forum can be contacted at [email protected]