Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR

King Charles III has "..expressed a deep love and concern for England’s wildlife, natural and rural places, frequently reflecting on his love of walking and its role in promoting a healthy mind and body." The King's Series project will designate five new NNRs every year between 2023 and 2027, making 25 new reserves in total. Natural England noted that Bradford has a population of 500,000, but is considered one of the most nature deprived cities in England.

The Bradford Pennine Gateway was created in May 2025 and consists of eight sites across north and western Bradford, covering an area of 1,274 ha, which is twice the size of Ilkley Moor. The designation allows for greater protection of certain habitats such as wetlands, heathlands and peat bogs, which are home to adders, short-eared owls, golden plovers and curlews. Just over 40% of the designated NNR will be newly protected, with 738 ha being designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). One part of the NNR around Bingley is that of Bingley North Bog, created over 10,000 years ago by a retreating glacier which left sediment behind making a wetland area. Work began on Bingley…