Welcome to our Newsletter
Welcome to your Spring update from Bradford District Parks, sharing news, initiatives and opportunities across our green spaces as we move through the seasons.
Bradford District Parks is set to gain more nature‑friendly areas, supporting everything from wildflowers to hedgehogs, frogs, birds, and bats. The Parks Service is adjusting mowing schedules so that key parks and sports areas stay regularly maintained with some selected zones cut less often to encourage meadow growth—creating around 190,000 square metres of richer habitat.
Pesticide use is also being reduced in less formal areas, with spraying phased out around trees, paths, and park furniture. Alternative methods like steam and heat treatments are being explored for future use.
These updates were reported to the Council’s Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee in December 2025.
 Bradford District has reached a major milestone with planting of its 50th community orchard. Working with Fruit Works Co-operative, Bradford Council continues to grow spaces that support health, well-being and community connection.
Funded by Living Well, 10 new orchards are coming to Allerton, Bowling, Queensbury, Bierley, Farcliffe, Queensbury and Keighley, bringing fresh fruit closer to home and helping communities grow together.
Lets make Bradford greener, healthier and more connected - one orchard at a time.
 Bradford’s Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve has been named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Seven Wonders of the World for 2026’, the only UK destination to make the list.
Designated in May 2025, the 1,272-hectare reserve links eight stunning sites, including Ilkley Moor, Shipley Glen, and St Ives Estate. This international recognition follows Bradford’s success as the 2025 UK City of Culture, highlighting the area’s rich habitats and diverse wildlife.
The National Nature Reserve is part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves, supporting efforts to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.
 Parks and Green Spaces and Better Start Bradford are working together to create more welcoming and imaginative outdoor spaces for young children. New nature‑inspired play features, open areas for active and creative play, and “take a book, leave a book” share‑libraries are being added to selected parks.
By combining play, nature, and community learning, these improved spaces will give families more opportunities to explore, grow, and enjoy the outdoors together.
 High on the hillside in Northcliffe Park, Shipley, the Bench of Dreams has become a favourite destination for its stunning panoramic views. Regularly praised with 5‑star feedback, this simple bench offers visitors a peaceful place to reflect, unwind, and take in some of the best scenery in the district.
Reaching the bench involves a gentle uphill climb, but visitors agree the effort is well rewarded. Some have noted the bench is particularly comfortable for those with longer legs, adding to its quirky charm.
Visitor Information
The Bench of Dreams is open 24/7, free to enjoy at any time of day—from sunrise moments to sunset views. Please be aware that access is not currently wheelchair‑friendly, and the route includes uneven, uphill paths.
Whether you're seeking calm, inspiration, or just a great view, the Bench of Dreams remains one of Northcliffe Park’s most uplifting spots.
 West Yorkshire artist HerOrangeCoat has captured the atmosphere of Bradford’s Judy Woods in her new track The Algae and Hope Grow, from her upcoming EP The Woodland Sessions (out 20 February).
Created with support from Youth Music’s NextGen Fund, the EP was written and recorded entirely outdoors, each track made in a different woodland. HerOrangeCoat’s reflective, place‑rooted sound shines through in this intimate field recording.
For interviews or more information: herorangecoat@gmail.com.
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Upcoming Events
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1 - 12 April 2026 - Easter Funfair Lister Park 13:00 - 21:00
A selection of rides, games, and seasonal treats for families.
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5 April 2026 - Guiseley Gallop 10K Race 10.30 - 12.30.
The annual 10k community race returns, suitable for both casual runners and club athletes.
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6 April - Harold Park Easter Egg Hunt 6 April Hop into spring at Harold Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Join us from 11:00 - 13:00 for a fun and festive event featuring an Easter Bonnet Parade.
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