We're looking for people to help care for Battyeford Island, an 800m stretch of land sandwiched between the Calder & Hebble and the River Calder.
Working with the Mirfield Community Partnership, we're inviting local people along to the island on Friday 16th October to help tackle overgrowing greenery and removing some invasive plant species to enable native ones to flourish.
Herons and kingfishers
The day will also give the opportunity to improve seating areas, giving views over the canal and river and providing the ideal spot to look for herons and kingfishers.
The island is a great place for wildlife, making it a popular escape for local people, and the volunteers will be helping to ensure it remains an enjoyable, attractive place to visit.
We have ambitious plans for the future of the island and the day will also give local people the opportunity to have their say on how it could be transformed into a thriving community park.
History and ecology
Ideas for rejuvenation include improved walking trails, and fishing points as well as information on the history and ecology of the island. The scheme would represent the first part of a wider initiative to improve over three miles of canal and riverside routes running through Mirfield.
Tom Wright, development & engagement manager for the Trust, said; “Battyeford Island is a local gem and we know that people living nearby have a real soft spot for it.
“At the moment, however, it's fair to say that the island needs a little bit of TLC and we'd love to see local people come along to our volunteering day to give it the attention it deserves. It will be a great opportunity to meet people, have some fun and make a real difference to the local area.
“Hopefully this will be the first step in our exciting plans for the future of the island, ensuring that it remains a quiet, natural area for people and wildlife, and local people have a vital role in making that happen.”
The volunteering day takes place between 10am and 2pm on Friday 16th October. The meeting point is on Battyeford Island next to Ha'penny Bridge, Wood Lane WF14 0ED. For more details contact Tom Wright on 07833 480 567 or [email protected].
