1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Bradford
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits LNR
Short description of the intervention
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Nature Reserve has a variety of habitats. The site is largely artificial, originating from former gravel pits. The river gravels were of good quality and represented an important local source for the construction industry. The pits ceased to be worked in 1970’s and flooded. Infill materials - a variety of materials have been used: building rubble, soil and treated sewage residues from the treatment plants. Plant materials and soil from parks, gardens and building sites have added to the bio-diversity. The reserve is owned by Bradford Council and managed by Wharfedale Naturalists Society volunteers. (reference 1) With the support of Natural England, the site was declared a Local Nature Reserve in October 2013. (ref 7).
Address

Coutances Way
Ilkley
United Kingdom

Location
The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).
Area boundary
POINT (1.781458 53.924901)
POINT (-1.780267 53.923795)
POINT (-1.781426 53.923359)
POINT (-1.78252 53.92394)
NBS area
23552.00m²
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Previous derelict area
Other
Please specify “other type of area” before implementation of the NBS
Former gravel pit (ref 8)
Website of the intervention
http://www.benrhydding-naturereserve.org/
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2005
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
unknown
End date of the intervention
2014
Present stage of the intervention
Completed
Goals of the intervention
Objectives for the Reserve are as follows (ref2):
a) To promote the conservation, creation and management of all-natural history aspects of the Reserve and thereby contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of appropriate biodiversity within the Reserve boundaries and adjacent areas.
b) To progress the restoration of the habitat zones of the Reserve on the basis of SEGI (Sites of Ecological or Geological Interest) designation.
c) To encourage an appreciation of the natural history value of the site.
d) To develop an appreciation of the wildlife value of the site
e) To communicate with local interested groups and individuals using the site for legitimate purposes and develop an appreciation of the wildlife value of the site and the need to utilise it with respect.
f) A site to develop a variety of wildflower (ref 8)
g) Community gardening and environmental education site for the local community (ref 7)
Quantitative targets
unknown
Monitoring indicators defined
unknown
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Habitat and biodiversity restoration
Habitat and biodiversity conservation
Green space creation and/or management
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Environmental education
Social interaction
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Preservation of natural heritage
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Species-focused
Ecosystem-focused
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Protect and enhance urban habitats
Create new habitats
Protect species
Undertake specific measures to protect species
Means for conservation governance
Raise public awareness
Public engagement
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Ecosystem-focused
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems
Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified)
Public engagement
Implementation activities
It was designated a Local Nature Reserve in recognition of the improvement in biodiversity. (reference 5)
Small workgroups to manage the site and protect bio-diversity (ref 7)
Type of NBS project
Protection of natural ecosystems
Knowledge creation and awareness raising
Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Grey infrastructure featuring greens
Riverbank/Lakeside greens
Blue infrastructure
Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries
Vegetation Type
Flower beds
Amenities offered by the NBS
Viewing and outlook points
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Maintenance of genetic diversity
Cultural services
Aesthetic appreciation
Recreation
Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational)
Social and community interactions
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiaries
Local government/Municipality
Non-government organisation/Civil Society
Citizens or community groups
Young people and children
Governance
Governance arrangements
Co-governance with government and non-government actors
Non-government actors
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches
Citizens or community groups
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Reserve is managed by the Wharfedale Naturalists Society (WNS) in partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC) (ref 7).
For maintenance of the park small workgroups of local community volunteer (ref 8)
Key actors - initiating organization
Non-government organisation/civil society
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Local government/municipality
Non-government organisation/civil society
Citizens or community group
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Participatory methods/forms of community involvement used
Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting)
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Unknown
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Unknown
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
Local authorities can create local nature reserves (LNRs) under the guidance of Natural England and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (UK). (reference 6)
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
Biodiversity strategy or plan
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
Unknown
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Unknown
Financing
Total cost
Unknown
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
Unknown
Source(s) of funding
Public local authority budget
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Business models
Green education model
Green heritage model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Private non-for-profit actor (e.g. NGO, foundation)
Type of innovation
Technological
Process innovation
Social
Cultural innovation
Please specify technological innovation
It is made in an artificial manner, originating from former gravel pits. The river gravels were of good quality and represented an important local source for the construction industry. The pits ceased to be worked in 1970’s and flooded. Ilkley District Council filled the lagoons with Infill materials such as: building rubble, soil and treated sewage residues from the treatment plants. Plant materials and soil from parks, gardens and building sites will have added to the sites bio-diversity (ref 1)
Please specify social innovation
Community engagement for the management of the park (ref 7)
Novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Water management and blue areas
Improved water quality
Green space and habitat
Increased green space area
Reduced biodiversity loss
Increased number of species present
Increased protection of threatened species
Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species
Description of environmental benefits
The gravel pit has been looking particularly impressive after the rain as new vegetation cover grew (ref 9). More than 20 butterfly species have been recorded (ref 8).
A variety of wildflowers can be seen from May to July, including marsh orchids and the river is home to otters, waterfowl, waders and kingfishers. More than 20 butterfly species have been recorded (ref 8).
The reserve is owned by Bradford Council and has been managed by a small group of volunteers from the Wharfedale Naturalists Society since 2007. This has involved the control of invasive weeds, woodland management, footpath maintenance, litter picking, scrub clearance, wildlife surveys and a range of other activities to try and improve the site and maximise biodiversity (ref 7).
Economic impacts
Unknown
Description of economic benefits
Unknown
Social and cultural impacts
Social justice and cohesion
Improved access to urban green space
Increased opportunities for social interaction
Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces
Education
Increased knowledge of locals about local nature
Description of social and cultural benefits
The reserve is owned by Bradford Council and has been managed by a small group of volunteers from the Wharfedale Naturalists Society since 2007. (ref 7). A management plan was placed to maintain the site's biodiversity and implementation has been through regular volunteer work parties, which increase knowledge about the area among locals (ref 8).
The green area and park will create recreational spaces for the local people (ref 7).
Type of reported impacts
Expected impacts
Achieved impacts
Indicators
Identification and recording of the number of species found in the park.
Environmental, social and economic impacts
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Habitat and biodiversity conservation
Green space creation and/or management
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Social interaction
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Preservation of natural heritage
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
Voluntary work opportunities
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
The reserve remains open and welcome for local visitors to enjoy as part of their daily exercise routine. But ensuring that the visitors should comply with government guidelines regarding social distancing. To reduce the risk of transmission of the virus the authority have had to cover up the rubbing plaques that form part of our new nature trail (ref 7).
Methods of impact monitoring
Process of recording NBS impacts
No evidence in public records
Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
Observation (including virtual surveillance methods)
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Unknown
Presence of indicators used in reporting
No evidence in public records
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
Web links relevant to the intervention
nature reserve WEBSITE
wharfedale observer
the telegraph and argus
Natural England
The Wharfedale Naturalists Society
Documents relevant to the intervention
Attachment Size
Management Plan Agreement (2.04 MB) 2.04 MB
List of references
1. Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Nature Reserve. n.d. accessed: http://www.benrhydding-naturereserve.org/history/ [Accessed 19 July 2020].
2. Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Nature reserve. 2013. Management Plan Agreement. [Accessed 19 July 2020].
3. The wharfedale observer. 2014. Ben Rhydding gravel pits nature reserve opens. Accessed: http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/11200486.Ben_Rhydding_gravel_pits_nature_reserve_opens/?ref=var_0 [Accessed 19 July 2020].
4. Greaves, A. 2014. Ilkley gravel pits to be turned into wildlife reserve. the telegraph and argus. Accessed: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11164097.Ilkley_gravel_pits_to_be_turned_into_wildlife_reserve/ [Accessed 19 July 2020].
5. The Wharfedale Naturalists Society. nd. Reserves. accessed: http://www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk/reserves/ [Accessed 19 July 2020].
6. Natural England. nd. LNR Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits. Accessed: http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1765 [Accessed 19 July 2020].
7. Benrhydding-naturereserve.org. 2020. Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits LNR | Wharfedale Naturalists. [online] Available at: <http://www.benrhydding-naturereserve.org/> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
8. Ilkley Gazette. 2014. Official Nature Reserve Status For Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits. [online] Available at: <https://www.ilkleygazette.co.uk/news/11172627.official-nature-reserve-status-for-ben-rhydding-gravel-pits/> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
9. Wharfedale Naturalists Society. 2015. Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits LNR - Wharfedale Naturalists Society. [online] Available at: <http://www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk/ben-rhydding-gravel-pits-lnr/> [Accessed 19 July 2020].
Comments and notes
Public Images
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve