AN OTLEY nature reserve is to form part of a 'pollinator pathway' thanks to a £42,000 grant.
The Biffa Award will allow the Friends of Nidderdale AONB pursue a project involving Otley Wetland Nature Reserve, farmers, Buglife and the Coronation Meadows team.
The scheme, with the support of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's staff and volunteers, will see different patches of flower-rich habitat linked to create a ten kilometre 'corridor'.
Some 43.5 hectares of lowland meadow will be restored at carefully picked locations, using seed and hay collected from donor sites, wherever possible, over two years. The resulting pathway will support those species that have been identified as being at risk in the Harrogate District Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
Friends of Nidderdale AONB chairman, Heather Garnett, said: "There is national concern about the reduction in insect life and the consequential shortage of pollinators for cereals, orchards, vegetables etc.
"As an environmental charity, we are thrilled to be able to play a part in reversing the decline through this project.
"I would like to thank Biffa Award for making this possible."
The Nidderdale AONB covers 233 square miles, and stretches from Jervaulx and Masham in the north to Otley and Ilkley in the south.
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