Volunteers to record cycle routes wildlife

A new project to record and conserve wildlife across the National Cycle Network is coming to paths across Yorkshire thanks to new funding awarded to Sustrans.

Conservation work on the Spen Valley Greenway (Dewsbury to Oakenshaw) will be part of this project.

The charity now needs volunteers to help manage habitats to protect and attract a wide variety of plants and animals and run a variety of wildlife themed events as part of the Greener Greenways project.

Volunteers will take part in regular surveys and events such as ‘Bioblitzes’ to record as many species as possible in one day within a designated area of a path. To date the project has provided more than 3,000 wildlife records to local record centres, including finds such as Barn Owl, Red Squirrel and Grass Snake.

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation awarded £400,000 over three years to Sustrans to continue and expand wildlife conservation work across more than 400km of cycle and walking routes.

Sustrans ecologist David Watson said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding to help us continue wildlife conservation along the cycle network.

“Your local cycle and walking routes are well-used paths for bats, hedgehogs, birds and insects, as well as people.”

To become a volunteer email [email protected] or call 01612 334071 for more details.