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02
Mar 2021
Long Lands Common set to open to public this summer
The committee behind the scheme to buy Long Lands Common has said it hopes to open the site to public access this summer.
The Long Lands Common appeal raised £375,000 to purchase 30 acres of land near Nidderdale Greenway and protect it from development. About 3,000 people bought shares in the land.
Shareholders were due to take ownership of the land yesterday but a delay in legal proceedings means this has been put back until the end of the month.
Despite this, Long Lands Common Ltd, the community benefit society overseeing the project, still expects to welcome visitors this summer, when lockdown restrictions ease.
An access track near the green bridge on the Nidderdale Greenway will be used by visitors. The current access point on Bogs Lane will be restricted to disabled people and maintenance and emergency vehicles.
No permanent paths will be laid this year — the committee has said it wants people to get used to the land and give their opinions before implementing changes.
Read more:
- WATCH as members of the Long Lands committee give the Stray Ferret a tour of the land.
- We asked shareholders why they got involved in the project.
Chris Kitson, secretary of Long Lands Common Ltd, said the delay in shareholders taking ownership was "not a drastic setback", adding:
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.
Ideas for the land include a duck pond but shareholders are invited to submit their own proposals.
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