Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 9th, 2026
•Exciting news is on the horizon for the Bradford district as over £280,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to several heritage projects aimed at celebrating and preserving the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This funding will not only help restore important community landmarks but also enhance the understanding of the unique environment in and around Bradford.
Funding For Nature Connection
Baildon Town Council has been granted a substantial £87,915 for the Glen and Moor: Nature Connection at Bracken Hall project. This funding will support the creation of a new exhibition at the Bracken Hall Countryside Centre. The exhibition is designed to connect visitors with local aspects of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve (NNR), which was officially launched in May 2025 as the first National Nature Reserve in West Yorkshire.
The Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR spans an impressive 1,272 hectares across eight sites, including notable areas like Baildon Moor and Shipley Glen. The reserve is home to a variety of important habitats, such as peat bogs and wetland areas, which are crucial for endangered wildlife like curlew and golden plover.
Julia Babbitt, the manager at Bracken Hall, expressed her enthusiasm, stating:
“This is exciting news for Bracken Hall. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will enable more people to discover the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve through the new exhibition, connect with nature on their doorstep, and understand how they can help care for its nationally important habitats and wildlife while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.”
Revitalising Community Heritage
Another project receiving support is the Beehive Shelter Rejuvenation, which has been awarded £26,793 by Wilsden Parish Council. The Beehive Shelter, originally built from materials salvaged from the Grade II listed former Wilsden Co-operative Store, is a significant cultural landmark in the village. It features a unique beehive design, symbolising community strength and cooperation.
This funding will enable Wilsden Parish Council to restore the shelter and engage local schoolchildren and residents in activities related to the project. This will include documenting memories associated with the Co-operative Store, ensuring that this piece of local history is preserved for future generations.
Angela Solomon, the Wilsden Parish Clerk, shared her excitement, saying:
“We’re delighted to have received this funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Beehive Shelter is a valued space in our village that provides a link with the former Co-operative Store and represents a lived history for many residents.”
Preserving Valuable Collections
A significant portion of the funding, £175,040, has been awarded to the Collections Reimagined: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future project spearheaded by Bradford Council. This project aims to address the challenges faced by the Bradford District Museums & Galleries, which house nearly one million objects, including art, social history, and archaeological finds.
Currently, about 40% of these collections are stored in facilities that are not suitable for long-term preservation. The funding will help determine the best sustainable storage solutions for these treasures, ensuring that they are safeguarded for future generations. Community consultation will also be an essential part of this project, allowing local people to engage with and connect to their heritage.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, highlighted the importance of these collections, stating:
“Our museums boast an incredible collection that is not only significant to the Bradford district but across the whole of the UK. Safeguarding that heritage is incredibly important, and we’re thrilled to have the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund to embark on the first steps to ensuring they will be cared for and preserved for future generations.”
Commitment To Heritage
The recent funding awards reflect the National Lottery Heritage Fund's commitment to investing in the Bradford district, especially following its designation as the UK City of Culture 2025.
Helen Featherstone, Director for England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, remarked
“The Bradford district has an incredibly rich history encompassing a breadth of heritage, including nature and strong community stories. We’re delighted to be supporting this range of projects, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, to ensure this important heritage is shared, celebrated, and protected for years to come.”
These initiatives not only enhance the cultural landscape of Bradford but also provide opportunities for local communities to engage with their history and environment. As these projects unfold, they promise to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike, making Bradford an even more vibrant place to explore and appreciate its heritage.