Calderdale Countryside and Woodlands Team

02/09/2026

We are 'Growing Moor'. Thanks to a Natural Flood Management grant from Environment Agency and Calderdale Council, work has started on the 'Growing Moor' project to improve the water retention of 13 hectares of Council owned peatland off Turvin Road above Cragg Vale. Peatland is naturally water retentive, but hundreds of years of historical land management practices has reduced its ability to hold water, increasing flooding and wildfire risk. So far, staff and volunteers have conducted vegetation surveys on site and increased the amount of sphagnum moss plants in Calderdale Council's Sphagnum moss nursery, ready for planting in the Winter. Contractors will shortly be appointed to cut the heather and grass dominated landscape with low impact machinery. Later on in the Winter they will be installing peat and heather bale dams to keep the area wetter and to encourage the establishment of sphagnum mosses.

27/08/2026

The Calderdale Plant Sanctuary is 1 year old this month. 🎂 🎉 🌿 50 species of locally native plants grown from seed thanks to reseach and development funding from Natural England. Some grew well, with hundreds of harebell and devil's bit scabious plants being grown. Others really struggled to get established with the hot weather like bluebells and wood vetch. Thanks to our volunteers 👏 and to the recipient sites: NT Hardcastle Crags, Bridestones Rewilded, High Hirst Woodmeadow Project and Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group.

20/08/2026

On Tuesday, the Calderdale Countryside Service Volunteers cleared a well used part of the Brighouse Boundary Walk near Highmoor Crescent, Clifton. On a wet and humid day they cleared almost 1.2km of footpath. Thanks for all the volunteers involved.

20/08/2026

This Thursday: Water Safety Day of Action | Shibden Park, Halifax

Join at Shibden Park, Halifax, on Thursday 20th August, 12:00 - 4:00pm, for our Water Safety Day of Action!

Come along to this free, family-friendly event and learn simple, lifesaving skills to help stay safe around rivers, canals, reservoirs and other waterways.

🛟 You’ll be able to:
- Learn about bankside water safety
- See how to use throwlines and reach poles safely
- Watch live Water Flume demonstrations
- Learn how to help someone without putting yourself at risk

📍 Shibden Park, Halifax. HX3 6XG
📅 Thursday, 20th August
⏰ 12:00 - 4:00pm
🎟️ Free to attend - everyone is welcome!

More water safety advice is linked in the first comment.

| Calderdale Council

14/08/2026

As the hot weather continues and we head into the weekend, please do your part to help prevent grass and wildfires.

The ground is extremely dry, which means the risk of wildfire is high.

A few simple actions can help prevent the devastation caused by grass fires and wildfires, and protect the beautiful green spaces across West Yorkshire.

🗑️ Do not litter. Please take your rubbish home or use nearby bins.
🚫 Never leave glass bottles on the ground. They can injure people and animals and may magnify the sun's rays, potentially starting a fire.
🚭 Do not throw lit cigarette ends onto the ground.
🔥 Never be tempted to light a fire.

Together, we can help keep our communities, countryside, and wildlife safe. Thank you for doing your part.

12/08/2026

Top O' Th' Hill Community Day near Walsden Saturday 15th August 10.30-14.00. Woodland tree id walk followed by volunteering activities including removal of tree guards and surveying. Booking essential - scan the code on the poster below.

09/08/2026

Did you know there are 4 days of great FREE nature-themed activities at Shibden Park next weekend? 'Seeds of Hope' runs alongside 'Stage at the Lake'. Some activities are for children, others for adults. To find out more and to book tickets, go to: https://www.stageatthelake.co.uk/seeds-of-hope

04/08/2026

Today the Countryside Service Volunteers cleared South Lane which runs from Blackley to Elland. This well used path was cleared of vegetation and the cobbled steps were cleaned off. 360 metres of footpath was cleared.

Thank you for the volunteers involved

02/08/2026

'Seeds of Hope' is a nature-themed celebration of 100 years since the opening of Shibden Park to the public. It is running from 13th until 16th August. Calderdale Countryside Service is leading one of the events; 'A walk and talk of Cunnery Woods'. To book, and for more information about this, go to:
https://www.ticketsource.com/calderdale-culturedale/seeds-of-hope-cunnery-woods-nature-walk-and-talk/e-rpkqpg

To find out about all of the other great, free 'Seeds of Hope' events, visit:

https://www.stageatthelake.co.uk/seeds-of-hope.

Tickets are now available for Seeds of Hope Cunnery Woods Nature Walk and Talk at Shibden Hall, Lister Road between Thursday 13th August 2026 and Saturday 15th August 2026. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!