Otley's wildlife is suffering. During the last two decades, insects  -  the cornerstone of our environment. -  have become depleted by over 40% due to habitat loss and use of chemicals. This has had a serious knock-on effect on birds and small mammals further up the chain.

Incredibly simple changes in mowing can result in enough nectar for ten times more bees and other pollinators. An easy way to help restore our beleaguered wildlife is to relax mowing on verges and green spaces allowing native wildflowers and insects to flourish. This not only helps wildlife and mitigates the effects of climate change, but looks beautiful.  

Wildlife Friendly Otley is supporting these wildlife-rich areas. Many Otley Institutions and businesses are now joining the Wildlife Corridor Project, and reaping the benefits. "Mohican" cuts are massively rich in native species whilst still allowing people to continue to use their green spaces. Linking them up, so that insects can travel and thrive, is an important step in restoring our environment. We need Leeds Council to join our project, by relaxing some of their mowing, so that we can link these important habitat swathes and throw our pollinators a lifeline! 

Thank you