Leeds beauty spots get £28,000 cash boost

Local wildlife and rare creatures are set to be given new homes thanks to a £28,000 cash injection, which will help to restore three areas of natural beauty in Leeds.
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The Veolia Environmental Trust has given a grant of £28,066 to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to fund work on Wyke Beck, Wyke Beck Woods and Asket.

As part of the project, the habitats within each of the sites will be improved, and areas of wet woodland will be created.

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The Wyke Beck valley consists of low-lying grassland and woodland sites that are fragmented and patchy. The funding will allow the sites to be reconnected and transformed to turn them into a sanctuary for local wildlife.

Rare white-clawed crayfish currently live in the beck and they will be the main focus of the project, which will allow the species to flourish and expand.

Speaking about the latest project in Leeds, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s reserve officer Elspeth Robinson said: “Creating a green space brimming with wildlife will not only benefit nature – it will enhance the experience of those visiting these sites.”

Paul Taylor, executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, added: “This work will make a real difference to the appearance and biodiversity of the Wyke Beck. With the increasing reduction in the amount of funds that we can award, the wildlife trust needs to be congratulated on securing this grant.”

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The cash injection is one of 27 given to similar projects across the UK, with £834,000 given in total. Veolia is now working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to put the final touches on the conservation plans.