Final Phase Of Ilkley Moor Restoration Underway

Restoration works on Ilkley Moor have entered their final phase, with helicopters positioning large stones to form 'leaky dams' designed to slow water flow and reduce flood risk in Wharfedale.

These stone dams retain water on the hill, preventing erosion and preserving the existing peat.

The project also includes planting sphagnum moss to promote peat formation, improving pathways to curb erosion, managing bracken, and cutting heather to foster diverse vegetation. The heather cuttings are fashioned into bales to further control water runoff.


Following similar work in the Backstone Beck catchment, this phase addresses the Spicey Gill, Mill Gill, and Crawshaw/Heber Moss catchments. By March 2025, the project aims to complete the installation of 352 stone dams, 65 heather bales, planting of over 56,000 sphagnum plugs, management of 25 hectares of heather and bracken, and removal of 25 hectares of sitka spruce, alongside 200 new tree plantings.

The restoration is a joint effort by Bradford Council, Moors for the Future Partnership, Friends of Ilkley Moor, Net Zero North contractors, and Rebel Restoration, with funding from council climate emergency funds, grants, and contributions from Rebel Restoration and the Friends of Ilkley Moor.