As part of the Millennium celebrations, and in conjunction with the Countryside Agency and the National Lottery Board funding has been made available to help acquire land to create Millennium Greens.

These are mostly permanent open 'breathing spaces' created for the benefit and enjoyment of the local residents of many towns and villages (but visitors are very welcome), and Pateley Bridge Millennium Green is one of over 280 such initiatives nation-wide.

These focal points, meant to bring a little countryside to many who presently have little or no access to open spaces (such as the disabled), can and do take many wide and differing forms, from formal parks, children's playgrounds, to areas of wild-life conservation.

Our project area borders the river Nidd and the Council depot at the end of Millfield Street. It consists of around four acres of trees, shrubs, wetland, and meadow, part of which was once described in official documents as `tipped, or white wasteland'.

At one time industrialisation was planned for part of the land, but many such as I were unhappy with that decision, seeing the area from a different perspective. To me this was a place of naturalised beauty, where many wild grasses and a variety of wild flowers were growing.

So with the help of District and Borough Councils, and lots of other organisations and individuals donating time and or money (still welcome), work upon our Green commenced in the Spring of last year with a Charitable Trust being formed.

This enabled both the long-term leasing of some of the project land, and the purchase of the rest of the land.

From its conception the project was not intended to be a formal park, rather an area of natural conservation with some enhancements to benefit the community as a whole. So laboring in conjunction with local schools and others, ideas were sought and plans were put upon paper.

A natural pond was decided upon, with a bike track for the young people to use, and wide paths with disabled access constructed. A new dry-stone wall was to be built, sculptured benches made, picnic tables sited, the planting of new trees undertaken, and the planting of other natural species and seed sewing organised.

I am happy to report that by mid June 2000 the project is well advanced with paths in place, much conserved, a small pond excavated, and the bike track nearing completion - why not take a look!

Peter Scott Chairman Pateley Bridge Millennium Green Trust