By KLTV Newsdesk –

A pioneering project, “Calder and Colne Landscape Links” (CCaLL), is set to rejuvenate the natural environment across Kirklees and Calderdale, enhancing wildlife habitats, cutting carbon emissions, boosting flood resilience, and reducing wildfire risks.

With Kirklees and Calderdale Council working in partnership, the initiative has secured substantial grant funding to embark on this transformative venture.

The project has received £750,000 from the Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) Landscape Recovery programme and £100,000 from the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Aims and Objectives

The CCaLL project aims to restore moorlands, plant trees, and create wildlife-rich habitats that better connect valley towns with moorland tops along the rivers Calder and Colne.

Collaborators include the Calder and Colne Rivers Trust, Environmental Projects in Kirklees (EPIKs), Moors for the Future Partnership, and the Environment Agency.

This initiative aligns with Kirklees and Calderdale’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2038.

The project will contribute to this goal by planting trees, hedges, woodlands, and wildflower meadows, restoring peat moorlands, and creating wetlands.

These natural “sponges” will absorb carbon dioxide, enhance wildlife habitats, and mitigate climate change impacts.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Corporate Strategy, Commissioning, and Public Health, emphasised the project’s importance: “Climate change poses significant challenges. This project enables us to work with nature to protect our homes, infrastructure, and wildlife, reducing flood and wildfire risks and enhancing biodiversity.”

Collaboration

The project also plans to work with local farmers to manage land sustainably, balancing food production with nature conservation and reducing carbon emissions.

Improved soil management will foster healthier soils, benefiting farming, food production, natural flood management, and carbon capture.

The initial two-year phase will focus on engaging landowners and stakeholders, designing actions, securing permits, estimating costs, and finding contractors.

This stage is expected to create up to nine new jobs, which will be advertised in the spring.

Tony Price, Business Development Manager at Moors for the Future Partnership, added: “We are eager to contribute to the project, focusing on upland areas in Calderdale and Kirklees.

“The plans will enhance climate resilience by restoring moorlands to a natural, wetter condition, reducing wildfire risk, and benefiting wildlife, natural flood management, and drinking water quality.”

Long-Term Benefits

The CCaLL project promises several long-term advantages:

• Flood Risk Reduction: Restored moorlands will retain rainwater, reducing the flood risk for homes and businesses in valley towns, and complementing ongoing natural flood management efforts in the South Pennines.
• Wildfire Risk Mitigation: Healthy moorlands are less prone to fires, enhancing safety for local communities.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Improved access to natural and cultural environments for diverse groups, including wheelchair and pushchair users, older adults, and those with dementia, connecting them to rich cultural heritage sites.
• Biodiversity Boost: The creation and enhancement of wildlife habitats will support native species, leading to a more vibrant and interconnected ecosystem.

Work With Nature

Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel, and Housing, highlighted the achievement of securing funding: “This project significantly contributes to our net-zero and biodiversity targets and complements our Flood Action Plan.

“We are committed to improving over 10,000 hectares of land, linking valley towns with moorland tops through new and improved habitats.”

Jeff Keenlyside, Director of EPIKs, also expressed excitement: “The Calder and Colne rivers’ valleys hold immense potential for nature restoration and as green spaces for communities.

“This project is a fantastic opportunity to realise that potential.”

The CCaLL project is set to make significant strides in environmental conservation and climate resilience, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for Kirklees and Calderdale.