Craven Crescent Green – creating a space for people & wildlife

Surrounded by houses, this was a featureless, little used space, mown every two weeks by the social housing provider, Incommunities. The project was sparked by one of the residents living by The Green who planted fruit trees in one corner in the autumn of 2021 to make it more interesting and to discourage cars from driving across it.

The transformation of The Green started in earnest in Spring 2022 when, following a meeting with residents interested in improving the space and Addingham Environment Group, Incommunities agreed to change the mowing regime. The grass was allowed to grow long though the summer around a central mown area with grass paths. Immediately children enjoyed playing on the Green.

In the Autumn, part of the Green was sown and planted as wildflower meadow by residents and AEG volunteers with help from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Over a cup of tea everyone contributed ideas for how the space might be improved for people and wildlife. A professional landscape designer took these ideas, to create a plan which met the approval of everyone living around The Green. The plan was used to apply for funds to bring the changes about.

Together residents and AEG volunteers have planted hedgerows and trees, created a wet meadow, and extended the ‘hay’ meadow planting. A seating area and raised planter for culinary herbs has been built and an interpretation panel created. Incommunities continue to mow the edges, grass paths and picnic area through the summer and Bradford Council assist with the end of season cut of the wildflower meadows.

The Green was officially opened at a celebration picnic during Climate Action Addingham Wildlife Week in June 2024.

Read the full story of the transformation of The Green here.