More trees and nature spaces in council green plan
A council has set out plans to increase tree canopy cover, create more nature reserves and provide more green spaces.
Bradford Council said it was looking to increase tree canopy cover across the city from 9.14%, which is below the national target of 16.5%, to 17%.
The authority announced the plans to improve biodiversity and conserve and restore habitats across the region in its Enhanced Biodiversity Report, which was released on Tuesday.
Bradford Council Strategic Director for Growth David Shepherd said despite improvements across the district, there was much work to be done.
"We have come a long way over the last five years in making our district greener, restoring and creating habitats and steps towards mitigating climate change.
"However, we need to continue working to expand our efforts and giving everyone, wherever in the district they live, access to green spaces and wildlife."
According to the council, two-thirds of Bradford is considered rural and 17% of the city is designated protected sites - with priority habitats, such as moorland, woodland and wetlands, covering 19% of the district.
The report praised the council, partner organisations and 'Friends of' groups for work in the last six years,
including launching the first National Nature Reserve – the Bradford Pennine Gateway – in May 2025.
The Bradford Pennine Gateway includes Ilkley Moor, Penistone Country Park, Shipley Glen and St Ives Estate, and was selected as one of Conde Nast Traveller magazine's Seven Wonders of the World for 2026.
The report added that eight new Local Nature Reserves were created in June 2025 and more than 60,000 trees were planted between 2020 and 2023.
<small>Source: BBC Science</small>
