Baildon Reservoir Next steps

Baildon Moor reservoir site – first steps to restoration

The first steps have been taken towards transforming the former Baildon Moor reservoir site into a wetland habitat with multiple benefits for nature and the surrounding area.

Bradford Council, Baildon Town Council and external experts recently met to discuss the future of the 3.9-acre site, for which Bradford Council gained control in 2021, after a lengthy legal case.

This had followed an extensive period of the site – formerly home to three reservoirs – being used for fly-tipping.

Before the land can be restored, which is likely to take at least three years, a number of elements will need to be carried out:

• Careful analysis of the ground investigation data and a full appraisal of options for remediation of the tipped material
• Proposal for treatment or removal of the boundary walls and other 'hard' features
• Common land and other legal issues
• Planning consent
• A detailed proposal which incorporates all the above
• Finding funding sources to undertake the work and deliver the project.

The eventual goal will be to create a wetland habitat. This would encourage the formation of peat and active blanket bog which would increase biodiversity, make the land more resistant to wildfire and protect the surrounding area from flooding. Peat has been shown to store twice as much carbon as forests, so it is a powerful force against the effects of greenhouse gases.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: "The work needed to achieve a wetland habitat which would compliment the existing moorland will not be possible without a long process to remediate and restore the land. But it will be worth it for the great benefits it will reap for the site and for the people of Baildon."

Once a feasible outline scheme is developed, it will be shared with the public whose views and wealth of local knowledge will contribute to the development of the project.

The work will go ahead subject to funding being found.

Cllr Gill Dixon, Chair of Baildon Town Council commented: " At long last we can work in partnership with Bradford council as the new owner of this important site (which is no longer in private control following the long legal battles over recent years.) and begin the process of site restoration. Baildon Moor is of great importance to local residents and we are delighted to begin the long process to restore the site in it's natural moorland setting.

Given the recent history of the site, both councils agree that natural remediation and restoration is the only way forward and this will be a long and expensive process. Once a feasible outline scheme is developed, it is hoped to share this with the public so that the wealth of local knowledge can be utilised in development of the project".

For further details contact Cllr Gill Dixon, Chair of Baildon Town Council on 07787 555737 or The Clerk, Baildon Town Council 01274 593169 or enquiries@baildontowncouncil.gov.uk