Projects
We have a number of ongoing projects to help Otley become more wildlife friendly. If you'd like to get involved in anything, please don't hesitate to contact us.
School Wildlife Makeovers
The children of Otley are helping us to rewild their school grounds. Sadly this work was on hold in 2020 but we are hoping to resume in 2021.
Rewilding Road Verges
A focus group including members of Wildlife Friendly Otley, Otley in Bloom and Otley 2030 have been working hard to persuade Leeds City Council to look at relaxed mowing and wildflower planting in selected grass verges and areas in around the town. Unfortunately LCC has so far failed to commit to any new regimes. However, the group has had better luck with BT who have agreed for us to rewild the grassed area in front of the BT building on Charles Street. If you know of a plot of land, which is not owned by Leeds Council, and which you think would be suitable for rewilding, please contact us.
Otley Hedgehog Highway
We are collaborating with Wharfedale Mens Shed to make Otley hedgehog friendly.
If you want advice on how to make your garden hedgehog friendly and accessible, please get in touch.
Pledge Campaign
Our Wildlife Pledge Campaign encourages everyone in Otley to do something for wildlife. We have prepared ideas sheets for families, individuals, businesses, schools and community groups.
Find out more - mywildlifepledge
Good Food for Ducks
and Swans
A banner hanging in Wharfemeadows Park aims to inform everyone feeding the ducks and swans what is good food for them to eat. Special duck and swan food is sold at Dodgshons, Parkgate Cafe and Petwise.
Where to see Wildlife Leaflet
Our first guide on where to see Otley's wildlife is now available to pick up for free at the library, the Core and several other venues around Otley.
Download your copy here.
Otley Swift Watch
Otley Swift Watch is a project that started in 2017 to find out where Swifts are nesting in Otley. We are walking the streets of Otley between May and August observing our resident Swifts to find out where their colonies are in buildings around Otley.
Download the fantastic leaflet here.
Helping Wildlife Helps People
We drafted a special report that draws on the available scientific evidence to state the case that helping wildlife helps people, through improved health and wellbeing.
Read the full report here.