Long Lands Common is preparing to welcome visitors for the first time next month shortly after the expected end to lockdown restrictions.
The group behind the community woodland project has said it will hold an official opening day and meeting on July 24, starting at 11am.
It will still be subject coronavirus regulations.
Around 3,000 people bought shares in the land. The appeal raised £375,000 to purchase 30 acres of land near Nidderdale Greenway and protect it from development.
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The committee has said that after the meeting it will ask volunteers to help with a “bio blitz” survey and bulb planting, finishing with a public picnic.
Anyone who would like to attend the opening day has been asked to register their attendance by filling out a small form here.
Secretary of Long Lands Common, Chris Kitson, told the Stray Ferret:
“It will be a great day. This will be the first opportunity for most of the members to see the land and contribute to the area.
“There are plenty of things we need to talk about at the meeting, we need to decide how much we change the land, how much access we have for dogs and more.
“Currently it is just going to be open for members. In order to open for the public we need to change the use of land through planning.”
The future of Long Lands Common, once earmarked for a relief road, finally looks secure for wildlife.
It is first and foremost a nature reserve but the goal is for the public to enjoy it too.
