Calderdale Council is marking the first anniversary of the launch of the borough’s Ecological Emergency Action Plan, with significant achievements over the last 12 months to protect and restore the borough’s natural environment.
The Council declared an ecological emergency in 2021, acknowledging that the borough’s wildlife and wild spaces are under threat and face major challenges, many linked to the impacts of climate change.
The Ecological Emergency Action Plan launched in January 2025 and outlines how Calderdale will address these challenges.
Over the last 12 months, work has been taking place across the plan’s key themes, protecting and restoring nature, supporting wildlife, tackling climate change and improving the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
An annual report has now been published highlighting the progress and achievements over the last year. Key achievements include:
- Installation of swift nesting boxes on more than 60 properties in north Halifax and Todmorden as part of the first year of the Calderdale Swift Project.
- Introduction of conservation grazing using Exmoor ponies and sheep at key grassland sites, with preparatory work underway for future cattle grazing.
- A strong year for urban tree planting, with 559 trees and 52,000 whips planted across council-managed green spaces, alongside new hedgerows and orchards.
- Development and delivery of peatland restoration plans in partnership with landowners, land managers and environmental organisations.
- A Council Scrutiny Review on river pollution, helping to strengthen partnership working to improve river health.
- A promotional campaign for the Calderdale Way, supported by new signage to encourage more people to explore the borough’s landscapes.
- Calderdale’s first community buyout, with Bridestones Moor successfully acquired by Bridestones Rewilded CIC for nature recovery.
Work will continue throughout 2026 to build on these achievements and scale up nature recovery efforts, working towards the goal of protecting and enhancing at least 30% of Calderdale’s land and water for nature by 2030.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Celebrating our natural environment is part of our Vision 34 for Calderdale, and we’re lucky that many of us are able to easily access stunning countryside with an abundance of wildlife, mindful that we are committed to doing more to bring green spaces to all of our communities.
“Sadly, both nationally and locally we’re seeing nature and wild spaces increasingly under threat, facing major challenges, including climate change, habitat loss and invasive species.
“In Calderdale, we’re tackling these challenges head on, and following the declaration of an ecological emergency, our action plan identifies key themes to protect and restore our natural habitats and threatened species.
“During 2025, we have seen significant progress across a range of projects, all protecting and enhancing the borough’s natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
“Community-led action has been a key theme this year showing that actions can be supported by everyone in the borough. We can all play a part in protecting and preserving and enhancing our important natural environment.”
Restoring nature locally brings wide-ranging benefits from boosting biodiversity and improving air and water quality, to enhancing climate resilience through increased carbon storage and reducing flood risk. Access to high-quality green spaces also supports physical and mental wellbeing across communities.
The delivery of the Ecological Emergency Plan is part of the Wilder Calderdale partnership, which brings together organisations from the public, private, community, charitable and academic sectors.
The plan can be viewed in full and as a quick read version at: https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/countryside-conservation/ecological-emergency-action-plan-short(external link)
The annual review can be viewed in full at: https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/countryside-conservation/ecological-emergency-action-plan-short/annual-review-2025(external link)
Nature is a key theme of Vision 34 – the shared, long-term ambition to work towards over the next 10 years to make Calderdale a better place for everyone, based on the stories that unite us. Share your story on the My Calderdale Story website: https://mycalderdalestory.com(external link) or by using #MyCalderdaleStory on social media.
