CELEBRATIONS have taken place to mark a decade of conservation and education working in harmony with farming on the River Ribble floodplain at Long Preston.

More than 50 people attended an event at The Plough Inn, Wigglesworth, to reflect on the achievements of the last ten years, during which time the Long Preston Floodplain Project has worked to improve the physical and ecological health of the River Ribble and its wet grassland habitat, to benefit wading birds, wildfowl and other wildlife.

The project has also created opportunities for the local economy to benefit from this valuable natural resource, and improved access to the area for people to learn about the grassland, wildlife, farming and management.

Guest speaker David Shaw, Natural England Area Manager for Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, praised the support and commitment of the project partners, farmers, landowners, volunteers, local businesses and residents.

He said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by working together. Water quality has been improved and the area is an increasingly fantastic habitat for wildlife and a valuable resource for education and recreation. Huge thanks go to everyone involved.”

Adrian Shepherd, Long Preston Floodplain project advisor at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, described the future plans to shift the emphasis of the project towards restoring dynamic natural processes and features on the River Ribble and its tributaries.

He also unveiled a new bird hide constructed overlooking the site and a new book entitled The Birds of the Long Preston Area that has been published to mark the ten-year anniversary.

Adrian said: “Despite being the largest county in the UK, home to a huge range of wildlife, North Yorkshire has no RSPB bird reserves within its boundaries. With this superb new bird hide set right next to the Ribble Way, I feel that we are a step closer.”

The Eco Bird Hide was constructed by Green Future Building (GFB) – a not for profit social enterprise that aims to build ethical and sustainable products whilst generating employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people. West Yorkshire Probation Trust and Kirklees Youth Offending Team place trainees with GFB to gain experience in a real working environment.

Luke Beaumont, GFB project manager, said: “The hide was made mainly from recycled plastics that would usually go to land fill, and features a living roof made from the turf taken from the plot where the structure now stands. The probation lads working on this project really enjoyed the experience of working in such a beautiful, open and natural environment, and the finished product looks great.”

The bird hide was made possible thanks to funding from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund, Forest of Bowland AONB Sustainable Development Fund, North Yorkshire County Council, Craven and Pendle RSPB group, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, local businesses and individual donations.

Colin Straker, leader of the Craven and Pendle RSPB group, cut the ribbon to officially open the new bird hide.

Colin said: “The very first time I came to Long Preston with my binoculars I saw a male Hen Harrier, and I knew this was a special place.

"As a bird watcher I go to beautiful places, meet wonderful people and see amazing things. I hope that local people will come here to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, and that the hide will be a valuable resource used by local schools and other groups. After all, children are the naturalists and conservationists of the future.”

The Long Preston Floodplain Project is a partnership between the RSPB, Natural England, Environment Agency, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, North Yorkshire County Council, local landowners and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Full details of the project can be found at the new project website, longprestonfloodplainproject.org

The book, The Birds of the Long Preston Area, is available to buy online priced at £8.50 (including UK delivery) via ydmt.org/shop or by calling 015242 51002.