Conservation Volunteers
Conservation Volunteers share their knowledge and experience to improve the environment and biodiversity of species across Bradford District
Would you like to meet new people and connect with nature? Help us improve the biodiversity of grassland, aquatic and woodland habitats across Bradford district.
Conservation Volunteers group meets on Friday approx. 10-3.30pm. The group undertakes various conservation and environmental tasks in green spaces around Bradford. Tasks include tree planting in winter, cutting back bracken in summer to improve the biodiversity of moorland, pulling up invasive Himalayan Balsam, increasing pollinating plants and looking after our community orchard and urban nature reserve.
Although the group meets each Friday, volunteers are welcome to come when they are able and they do not need any prior experience. Please just bring your enthusiasm to get outside and be involved in some positive action for nature and local communities.
You will need to dress for the weather and bring along a packed lunch. Hot and cold drinks, snacks and tools will be provided.
Meet in the reception of the Culture Fusion Building, 125 Thornton Road by 9.50am or arrange to meet us on site (do check because it can change due to the weather).
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO MEET US ON SITE ON FRIDAYS AS WE MAY NEED TO LET YOU KNOW OF ANY PLANS OR TIMINGS HAVE TO ALTER.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email shona.waddington@bradfordymca.org.uk or call 07845 239196.
To contact Bradford BEES call 07970 621732.
Take a look at our latest task programme below or download a copy here:
BEES Task programme March to May 25 pdf
BEES Task Programme June to August 2025
Close
Conservation Volunteer Task Programme
Are you interested in joining one of our conservation volunteer days? No previous experience necessary. Please take a look at upcoming tasks days to find out the type of things we get up to and check out our FAQ’s for more information. We can provide minibus transport from Thornton Road to the task site.
FRIENDS OF BOWLING COMMUNITY ORCHARD
We also have a regular informal Saturday group who meet at Bowling Community Orchard to prepare, maintain and harvest our apple, pear and plum trees. We are always looking for new people to come and help us. Please email Bradford BEES bees@bradfordymca.org.uk or call 07970 621732 to find out when we are working at the orchard or selling our wonderful organic produce. Friends of Bowling Orchard do not have access to a minibus.
9.1.26
Tree Planting- site to be confirmed
19.12.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will be pruning damaged trees and enjoying festive drinks and snacks.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
12.12.25
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET
Tasks include leaf raking from around the trees and pruning fruit trees.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
5.12.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH. T
asks include improving the habitats after the loss of trees last year. Building path edging with logs, clearing the pond, building habitat piles and removing excess vegetation.
What3Words///:memory.fetch.cubs
28.11.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will continue preparing an area to expand our wildflower nursery. This will help us to improve biodiversity for native plants and animals.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
21.11.25
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET
Tasks include leaf raking from around the trees and seasonal tasks.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
14.11.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
We will continue to improve habitats for biodiversity after the loss of trees paths, clearing non-native plants in the woodland and possible tree felling.
What3Words///:memory.fetch.cubs
7.11.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
Tasks include continuing to improve habitats for biodiversity after the loss of trees, clearing non-native plants in the woodland and other seasonal tasks.
What3Words///:memory.fetch.cubs
31.10.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
Tasks include digging over an area to expand our wildflower nursery.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
24.10.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will be clearing silt and mud from the pond to encourage biodiversity and clearing weeds around trees today.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
17.10.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
We will continue to improve the habitats for biodiversity after the loss of trees last year. Tasks also include mowing the paths and clearing non-native plants in the woodland.
What3Words///:memory.fetch.cubs
12.10.25
APPLE DAY 2025
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Coinciding with Bradford 25 year of culture, we celebrate 25 years of holding Apple Day in Bowling Community Orchard.
Come along and celebrate on Sunday 12th from 12-4pm.
This year there will be live music, activities include apple juicing using a traditional apple press and games and crafting activities for children.
We will have a selection of home made cakes, desserts and savouries to buy made using apples from the orchard. There will be stalls selling our apples, chutneys, organic juice and grass seeds.
If you would like to volunteer on the day, any help is much appreciated to make the event a success. Can you help us before the event? We need volunteers to help us set up in the morning and baking goods to sell. We also need help running the event itself. For more information or to volunteer, please get in touch with BEES. 07970 621732
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
10.10.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Last minute site preparations for our 25th Anniversary Apple Day event on Sunday. We will leave the orchard early afternoon to pack resources for the event back at Culture Fusion.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
3.10.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
We will mainly be harvesting fruit, mowing paths and clearing the site of excess vegetation to improve access on Apple Day.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
26.9.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
We will continue to replace the damaged benches, clearing under the trees, harvesting fruit and mowing the paths.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
19.9.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
We will continue to replace the damaged benches, clearing under the trees, harvesting fruit and mowing the paths.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
12.9.25
CHANGE TO THE PROGRAMME
Stoney Ridge Plantation
meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will continue creating our wildflower nursery, growing on area and carry out any plant care and propagation tasks while clearing beds.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
5.9.25
CHANGE TO THE PROGRAMME THIS WEEK
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Replace damaged benches, take old notice board off and repair fence, support for hops and general maintenance at the orchard.
What3Words for entrance: wiser.cuts.tight
29.8.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Harvesting of summer fruits, preparing new benches, cutting comfrey, path mowing and other seasonal tasks.
What3Words///:wiser.cuts.tight
22.8.25
Baildon Moor – Bingley Rd Car Park, Baildon, Shipley BD17 5EE
Bracken cutting using traditional tools, such as scythes, to encourage a range of moorland plants to
15.8.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation
meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will continue creating our wildflower nursery, growing on area and carry out any plant care and propagation tasks while clearing beds.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
8.8.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Harvesting of summer fruits, cutting comfrey, path mowing and other seasonal tasks.
What3Words///:wiser.cuts.tight
1.8.25
thrive. Please wear long trousers, sleeves and boots to provide protection from plants and insects.
25.7.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Possible harvesting of summer fruits, path mowing and other seasonal tasks.
What3Words///:wiser.cuts.tight
18.7.25
Nailor Rough, Woodland Close, BD9 6PH. Meet at the entrance to the site at the end of the road.
Himalayan Balsam removal from the bottom of the valley near Stoney Ridge.
11.7.25
Nailor Rough, Woodland Close, BD9 6PH. Meet at the entrance to the site at the end of the road.
Himalayan Balsam removal from the bottom of the valley near Stoney Ridge.
4.7.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
We will continue to improve the habitats for biodiversity after the loss of trees last year. Tasks also include mowing the paths and clearing non-native plants in the woodland.
What3Words///:memory.fetch.cubs
27.6.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will continue creating our wildflower nursery, growing on area and carry out any plant care and propagation tasks while clearing beds.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
20.6.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
The task will be creating our wildflower nursery ‘growing on’ area and carrying out any plant care and propagation tasks while clearing beds.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
14.6.25
Open Day at Bowling Community Orchard
Come along to the orchard within Bowling Park Allotments between 12 and 3. Bring a picnic, have a tour of the orchard, learn about cultivating fruit.
There will be organic apple juice, chutneys and other fruity products for sale. Proceeds will raise funds towards the upkeep of the orchard.
What3Words///:wiser.cuts.tight
Entrance is on Bowling Park Drive
13.6.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
We will be preparing for tomorrow’s open day, carrying out seasonal tasks, which will include mowing paths, weeding under the fruit trees.
What3words///wiser.cuts.tight
6.6.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Seasonal tasks and planting wildflowers out in the grass.
What3words///wiser.cuts.tight
30.5.25
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Tasks include mowing and weeding.
What3words///wiser.cuts.tight
23.5.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
We will continue to create our nursery area and carry out any plant care and propagation tasks while clearing beds.
What3words///when.shelf.jars
16.5.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
We will be carrying out improvements to the site to help improve the habitats and biodiversity after the loss of trees last year.
What3words///memory.fetch.cubs
9.5.25
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
This will be Blossom Day at the orchard. Hopefully we will be carrying out seasonal tasks amid a display of beautiful flowers while people come and visit the orchard.
What3words///wiser.cuts.tight
2.5.25
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
We will be carrying out orchard tasks in preparation for Blossom Day the following Friday.
What3words///wiser.cuts.tight
25.4.25
Boar’s Well Nature Reserve, King’s Road, Bradford.
We will be joining Bradford Urban Wildlife Group to litter pick the site. Meeting point will be given nearer the time.
18.4.25
No task group this week as it is the Easter break.
11.4.25
2 possibilities for today’s task:
Culture Fusion, 125 Thornton Road, BD1 2EP.
Clearing the beds in the roof garden and sowing wildflower seeds or
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
We will be building habitat piles from felled trees and clearing paths if we haven’t completed the work in our visit in earlier visits.
What3words///memory.fetch.cubs
4.4.25
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
Tasks include preparing a nursery area for wildflowers.
What3Words/// when.shelf.jars
28.3.25
Bradford Urban Nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge Lane, BD5 0NH.
We will be building habitat piles from felled trees and clearing the paths.
What3Words/// memory.fetch.cubs
21.3.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
What3words/// wiser.cuts.tight
Tasks include feeding the fruit trees, weeding under the tree canopies and other
seasonal tasks.
What3Words: wiser.cuts.tight
14.3.28
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Tasks include feeding the fruit trees, weeding under the tree canopies and other
seasonal tasks.
What3Words/// wiser.cuts.tight
7.3.25
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
The main task will be removing excess vegetation and assessing the site and planning what to do after the tree removals and changes to the area. Hedge planting to replace fallen trees and clearing paths.
What3words/// memory.fetch.cubs
28.2.25
Woodside Academy, Fenwick Drive, Bradford, BD6 2PG.
We will be completing the large-scale planting of a native hedge around the perimeter of the school grounds.
Please call us on 07970 621732 if you’d like to help out as access to the school is restricted.
25.2.25 TUESDAY
Near Malham Tarn Tree planting in the Yorkshire Dales with The National Trust. We will be working with Bradford College ESOL students, but there may be space for some volunteers in the minibus.
Also, the National Trust may be able to pick up volunteers from Gargrave and
reimburse for travel.
Leaving Culture Fusion at 9am and returning to Bradford between 4-5.
Please contact us if you are interested to join. Bees 07970 621732.
14.2.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Task will include hedge cutting, coppicing and winter fruit tree pruning and other winter orchard tasks.
7.2.24
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Task will include hedge cutting, coppicing and winter fruit tree pruning and other winter orchard tasks.
31.1.25
Shipley Central Park – meeting at the top of Westcliffe Road, BD18 3EE
We will be completing the previous planting of native trees and shrubs and then we will be continuing onto
Stoney Ridge Plantation, meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Road, BD6 2PG where we will find wood from felled trees to replace the edging of a path and steps in the woods for the local school to access.
What3words: when.shelf.jars (Stoney Ridge)
24.1.25
Woodside Academy, Fenwick Drive, Bradford, BD6 2PG.
We will be continuing the large-scale planting of a native hedge around the perimeter of the school grounds.
Please call us on 07970 621732 if you’d like to help out as access to the school is restricted.
17.1.25
Woodside Academy, Fenwick Drive, Bradford, BD6 2PG.
We will be continuing the large-scale planting of a native hedge around the perimeter of the school grounds.
Please call us on 07970 621732 if you’d like to help out as access to the school is restricted.
10.1.25
Bowling Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, BD4 7ET.
Task will include hedge cutting, coppicing and winter fruit tree pruning.
Please let us know if you plan to meet us there as the gates to the allotments are locked. 07970 621732
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
20.12.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, Bradford, BD4 7ET.
Tasks include hedge cutting, coppicing, winter pruning and other seasonal orchard tasks.
Meet at 10.30am at the gate. Working for a few hours.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Please contact BEES on 07970 621732 to arrange access as gates are kept locked. No minibus.
SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER
Bowling Community Orchard – Friends of Bowling Community Orchard
If you’d like to join us on Saturday 14th December, we will be doing hedge cutting and coppicing around our orchard trees.
Meet at 10.30am at the gate. Working for a few hours.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Please contact BEES on 07970 621732 to arrange access as gates are kept locked. No minibus.
13.12.24
Woodside Academy, Fenwick Dr, Bradford, BD6 2PG.
We will be continuing the task of the planting of a native hedge around the perimeter of the school grounds.
6.12.24
Woodside Academy, Fenwick Dr, Bradford, BD6 2PG.
We will be continuing the task of carrying out the large scale planting of a native hedge around the perimeter of the school grounds.
29.11.24
Woodside Academy, Fenwick Dr, Bradford, BD6 2PG.
We will be carrying out the large scale planting of a native hedge around the perimeter of the school grounds.
22.11.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, Bradford, BD4 7ET.
Raking leaves from under the trees other seasonal orchard tasks.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
TUESDAY 19.11.24
TUESDAY 19th NOVEMBER – Friends of Bowling Community Orchard
CULTURE FUSION BUILDING on Thornton Road
Can you come and help us with the juicing of our organic apples on Tuesday 19th November? There is a lot of chopping to do and working our apple press to produce some amazing juice. A nice sociable day out.
Contact BEES on 07970 621732 for access and times. No minibus
SATURDAY 16.11.24
SATURDAY 16th NOVEMBER – Friends of Bowling Community Orchard
Bowling Community Orchard
If you’d like to join us on Saturday 16th November, we will be sorting apples for juicing and clearing under trees/removing dead leaves.
WE WILL ALSO BE SELLING SOME OR OUR LARGE VARIETY OF APPLES ON THIS DAY. F of BCO will be at the gate from 11am.
Please contact BEES on 07970 621732 to arrange access as the gates are kept locked. No minibus.
15.11.24
Stoney Ridge Plantation meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
Tasks include finding wood from felled trees to replace the edging of a path and steps for a local school. We also need to rake leaves from the entrance lane to the site, to reduce the build up of organic matter on the path.
What3words: when.shelf.jars
8.11.24
Bradford Urban nature Reserve, Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
The main task will be removing excess vegetation from the ponds and assessing the site and planning what to do after the tree removals and changes to the area.
What3words: memory.fetch.cubs
25.10.24
Bradford Urban nature Reserve
Laisteridge Lane Student Village, Laisteridge lane, BD5 0NH.
What3words: memory.fetch.cubs
Activities will include clearing the pond of excess vegetation and a general site tidy up.
18.10.24
Stoney Ridge Plantation
meeting by Grange Lodge, Bingley Rd, Bingley, Bradford, BD9 6SA.
What3words: when.shelf.jars
Seasonal tasks including completion of path cutting, cutting patches in the meadows to encourage wildflowers. reinforcing steps that provide a school access and organising storage bays.
13.10.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard
In the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, Bradford, BD4 7ET.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Come along and celebrate all things appley at our annual APPLE DAY event from 12-4pm. Activities include apple juicing using a traditional apple press and games and activities for children.
We will have a selection of home made cakes, desserts and savouries made using apples from the orchard and be selling our apples, chutneys and juice.
11.10.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard, in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, Bradford, BD4 7ET.
All hands on board for our last minute orchard preparation for our annual Apple Day in two days time!
Our popular Apple Day is on Sunday 13th October (12-4). We hope to see you there for family activities, food, juices, hot drinks, chutneys and lots of apple cakes!
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON THE DAY? CAN YOU BAKE US SOMETHING TO SELL (using apples, pears or plums)? CAN YOU VOLUNTEER ON A STALL? CAN YOU BRING EMPTY JAM JARS ON THE DAY?
To offer help please ring 07845 239196 or email shona.waddington@bradfordymca.org.uk
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
4.10.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard
We will be in the allotments on Bowling Park Drive, Bradford, BD4 7ET.
We will be repairing the roof to the shelter and benches along with meadow cutting and other seasonal tasks.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
Our popular Apple Day is on Sunday 13th October (12-4). We hope to see you there for family activities, food, juices, hot drinks, chutneys and lots of apple cakes!
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON THE DAY? CAN YOU BAKE US SOMETHING TO SELL (using apples, pears or plums)? CAN YOU VOLUNTEER ON A STALL? CAN YOU BRING EMPTY JAM JARS ON THE DAY?
To offer help please ring 07845 239196 or email shona.waddington@bradfordymca.org.uk
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
27.9.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard
We will be returning to our community orchard to continue habitat maintenance, harvest fruit and prepare the area for our popular Apple Day on Sunday 13th October (12-4). We hope to see you there for family activities, food, juices, hot drinks, chutneys and lots of apple cakes!
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
24.9.24
Culture Fusion Roof Garden
This is a TUESDAY volunteering session at Culture Fusion Building, 125 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD1 2EP. We will be juicing apples and selling the juice to raise funds for orchard upkeep, including running Apple Day.
20.9.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard
We will be returning to our community orchard to continue habitat maintenance, harvest fruit and prepare the area for our popular Apple Day on Sunday 13th October (12-4). We hope to see you there for family activities, food, juices, hot drinks, chutneys and lots of apple cakes!
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
13.9.24
Bowling Park Community Orchard
We will be attending our community orchard in Bowling Park allotments. Tasks will include fruit picking, path cutting, hedge cutting, tree care-weeding and general
orchard management.
What3words: wiser.cuts.tight
06.9.24
Bracken removal on Baildon Moor
This is one of our annual visits to carry our bracken cutting on Baildon Moor to help increase the diversity of moorland plants and improve the habitat for native species or insects and animals. We will be using traditional techniques with scythes and sickles. Please wear long trousers to protect from the possibility of ticks.
What3Words location for car park = mouse.decay.voters
23.8.24
Stoney Ridge Plantation
We will be meeting at Stoney Ridge by Grange Lodge, Bingley Road, Bingley, BD9 6SA.
What3Words = when.shelf.jars
We will be continuing to develop our wildflower nursery site. The plants will be used for local sites and various projects throughout the district.
16.8.24
Stoney Ridge Plantation
We will be meeting at Stoney Ridge by Grange Lodge, Bingley Road, Bingley, BD9 6SA.
What3Words = when.shelf.jars
We will be continuing to develop our wildflower nursery site. The plants will be used for local sites and various projects throughout the district.
9.8.24
Bracken removal on Baildon Moor
This is one of our annual visits to carry our bracken cutting on Baildon Moor to help increase the diversity of moorland plants and improve the habitat for native species or insects and animals. We will be using traditional techniques with scythes and sickles. Please wear long trousers to protect from the possibility of ticks.
What3Words location for car park = mouse.decay.voters
2.8.24
Bracken Removal Baildon Moor
This is one of our annual visits to carry our bracken cutting on Baildon Moor to help increase the diversity of moorland plants and improve the habitat for native species or insects and animals. We will be using traditional techniques with scythes and sickles. Please wear long trousers to protect from the possibility of ticks.
What3Words location for car park = mouse.decay.voters
26.7.24
Himalayan Balsam Bashing
Remove Himalayan Balsam at Nailor Rough to improve the biodiversity of the habitat and promote native species.
Park end Woodland Close, BD9 6PH
What3Words location for parking = buck.trains.colleague
Please be mindful when parking near homes.