Calderdale is famous for its rugged hills and vibrant wild spaces. But these landscapes face real threats from climate change and habitat loss. In 2021, Calderdale Council declared an Ecological Emergency. Following the launch of the official action plan in January 2025, we are now celebrating a full year of progress. From our moorlands to our urban streets, nature is getting the helping hand it needs.
The new annual review highlights how much we can achieve through partnership and community action. Key successes from the last 12 months include:
We planted 559 trees and 52,000 whips across council-managed green spaces, along with new hedgerows and orchards. This work was supported by the White Rose Forest through their Trees for Climate programme, funded by UK Government.
We installed over 60 swift nesting boxes in North Halifax and Todmorden to support these iconic summer birds.
We introduced conservation grazing using Exmoor ponies and sheep to manage our grasslands naturally.
We’ve partnered with landowners to restore vital peatlands, which are essential for carbon storage and flood prevention.
Bridestones Moor was successfully acquired by Bridestones Rewilded CIC—Calderdale’s first-ever community buyout for nature recovery.
Restoring nature isn’t just about wildlife; it’s about people. By boosting biodiversity, we also improve our air and water quality, reduce flood risks, and provide high-quality green spaces that support our mental and physical wellbeing.
The work doesn’t stop here. Throughout 2026, the Wilder Calderdale partnership will scale up these efforts. Our goal is ambitious: to protect and enhance at least 30% of Calderdale’s land and water for nature by 2030.
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