Work to turn a former brickworks in part of the Bradford district into a green oasis has now been completed, and a heron is among the wildlife to have already visited.
Wrose Quarry Wetlands on Carr Lane, Wrose, is a 2.5 acre site that has been created with £70,000 funding from the Government's Shipley Towns Fund.
The dramatic transformation of the site included improving a network of paths as well as the excavation of new ponds and wetlands.
The work is designed to allow the the space to be enjoyed all year round, making access possible even during periods of bad weather.
The newly-created Wrose Quarry Wetlands (Image: T&A)
Those visiting the site are able to enjoy far-reaching views across a large section of the Aire Valley, with the combination of mills and hills giving rise to a true Yorkshire backdrop.
Months of work were undertaken by more than 120 volunteers, and the improvements involved installing new drainage and at least 30 metres of additional stone pitching as part of the extended pathway.
Col Powell, leading the project for The Conservation Volunteers, said: “This has been an incredible project to work on and will be a sanctuary for people to visit, with incredible views.
The view from the newly-created Wrose Quarry Wetlands (Image: T&A)
“The new ponds and wetland features complement the existing habitats, opening up the site to a broad range of flora and fauna. We’ve already had reports of a heron here which is fantastic.”
Volunteers were joined onsite by members of the Shipley Towns Fund and Bradford Council, as well as pupils from nearby Low Ash Primary School to officially launch the wetlands.
A pathway in the Wrose Quarry Wetlands (Image: T&A)
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, recalled what the site had been like previously and contrasted it with the facility on offer today.
He said: “This place has been transformed, from waterlogged paths to something special for the whole community to enjoy for many years to come.
“It’s the result of a lot of hard work from all the volunteers, business and community groups involved as well as the teams at the Towns Fund, and Bradford Council.”
The newly-created Wrose Quarry Wetlands (Image: T&A)
Speaking after the event, Chair of Shipley Towns Fund Adam Clerkin acknowledged the contributions made by people and the team effort involved in the project.
Mr Clerkin said: “We’d like to thank each and every person who has been involved with this transformation.”
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