THE Friends of Bradford’s Becks group has launched a collection of 22 guided walks between now and September. Lucy Wood reports…
The 10 routes take in the city itself and the countryside around Bradford. Participation is free, but places must be booked in advance.
The group is formed of Bradford-based residents and interested ecologists who are keen to see the eventual restoration of the Bradford Beck river system.
Among the walks in the Discover Bradford’s Becks programme is to Chellow Dene Beck and Reservoirs on Wednesday, August 13. Covering 3.5 miles, the walk starts at Chellow Dene wetlands, which were first constructed in 2005, and improvements were made last year to create a new natural style floodplain to capture flood water, improve water quality and allow wetland species to grow. The walk then circles the Chellow Dene reservoirs, which were built in the mid-19th century to provide a stable water supply for the people of Bradford.
Another highlight is a four-mile walk taking in North Beck, Keighley, on Saturday, June 28, which will be repeated on Wednesday, September 10. North Beck played an important part in the industrial development of Keighley. Along its course were a series of dams and weirs that served nine mills. Today, once it leaves the busy town centre, North Beck has returned to being a peaceful watercourse, winding its way through rural woodland.
The last walk of the series is taking place on September 24. For more information about the Friends and how to book, visit www.bradford-beck.org
