Your Questions Answered
Welcome to our FAQ Page!
Have questions? You’ve come to the right place! This page is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Wharfedale Greenway proposal.
We understand that navigating new information can be overwhelming. This FAQ page aims to provide answers to commonly asked questions, saving you time and effort.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, don’t hesitate to send us an email and we will try and get you the answer and add it in here.
A greenway is a multi-use path alongside a strip of undeveloped land, designed for both recreation and environmental protection. Think of it as a linear park, weaving through urban or rural areas, often following natural corridors like rivers, streams, or ridges. These pathways can also be repurposed from disused railways, canals, or even industrial land.
Greenways offer a wide range of benefits, making them valuable assets to any community:
Recreation and health:
Active transportation: Walk, bike, run, or skate – greenways provide safe and enjoyable spaces for active lifestyles.
Mental and physical well-being: Time spent in nature reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and encourages physical activity.
Play and exploration: Families and children have access to outdoor spaces for play and discovery.
Environment and sustainability:
Habitat conservation: Greenways protect wildlife corridors, promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Flood control and water quality: Green spaces absorb rainwater, reducing flooding and improving water quality.
Climate change mitigation: Trees and vegetation capture carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change impacts.
Community and economy:
Enhanced property values: Studies show higher property values near greenways due to increased desirability.
Economic development: Greenways attract tourism and support local businesses through increased foot traffic.
Community cohesion: Shared green spaces foster social interaction and community building.
Greenways offer a multitude of benefits for both the environment and the people who live around them.
Here are some of the key reasons why communities choose to build greenways:
Environmental benefits:
Habitat creation and protection: Greenways can provide corridors for wildlife movement, helping to connect fragmented habitats and promote biodiversity.
Improved water quality: By filtering stormwater runoff and reducing erosion, greenways can help to protect local waterways.
Climate change mitigation: Trees and other vegetation in greenways can absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Community benefits:
Increased physical activity: Greenways provide safe and accessible spaces for people to walk, bike, run, and exercise, which can lead to improved health outcomes.
Mental health and well-being: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Improved connectivity: Greenways can connect neighbourhoods, schools, parks, businesses and other community amenities, making it easier for people to get around without relying on cars.
Economic development: Greenways can attract businesses and residents to an area, leading to increased property values and economic activity.
Overall, greenways are a valuable tool for creating more livable, sustainable, and resilient communities.
A project this size will take time to be built. It will be completed in sections rather than the whole route at once. There is still lots of planning, designing, business case completing and then there will be the funding and then the build. We will keep our website and social media updated as soon as we now of any updates to share.
Greenway funding can come from various sources, including grants, government funding, public-private partnerships, and community fundraising initiatives.
Any design plans are yet to be released into the public domain so we are unable to link to any design details. As soon as any plans are released into the public domain we will highlight them on our website and social media.
Designing a new greenway involves careful consideration of several factors, aiming to create a space that benefits both the environment and the community. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:
1. Planning and Vision:
Community engagement: This is crucial to understand community needs, desired uses, and potential concerns. Public forums, surveys, and workshops are common tools for gathering input.
Identifying goals and objectives: The project’s purpose is defined, considering factors like environmental restoration, promoting physical activity, or connecting specific areas.
Feasibility study: This assesses the suitability of potential routes, considering land ownership, environmental impact, and construction costs.
2. Design and Engineering:
Route selection: The chosen path considers existing infrastructure, land availability, minimizing environmental impact, and maximizing connectivity.
Surface selection: Different surface types (asphalt, gravel, etc.) are chosen based on expected usage, cost, and drainage needs.
Accessibility considerations: The design ensures accessibility for people of all abilities, including features like ramps, wider pathways, and clear signage.
Ecological considerations: Minimizing impact on existing ecosystems and incorporating native plants are crucial aspects of the design.
3. Construction and Implementation:
Obtaining permits and approvals: Navigating legal requirements and securing necessary permits from relevant authorities.
Construction process: This involves following the design plans, managing construction crews, and ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Signage and wayfinding: Installing clear and informative signage to guide users and highlight key destinations or points of interest along the greenway.
4. Maintenance and Stewardship:
Developing a long-term maintenance plan: This ensures the greenway’s sustainability, covering aspects like clearing debris, repairing surfaces, and managing vegetation.
Community involvement in stewardship: Encouraging volunteer participation in upkeep and promoting a sense of ownership within the community
By following these steps and engaging with diverse stakeholders, communities can create vibrant greenways that contribute to a healthier environment, a more connected society, and a more livable community.
As soon an any plans are made public, we will update our website and social media with the information.
While at this time we do not know what the designs will be like it is important to know that Greenways utilize a variety of surface types, depending on several factors like:
Location: Rural greenways might prioritize different materials than urban ones.
Intended use: Surfaces suitable for walkers might differ from those needed for cyclists or joggers.
Existing infrastructure: Sometimes, pre-existing paths like disused railways or canals can be repurposed, influencing the surface type used.
It’s important to note that greenway designers often prioritize permeable surfaces that allow water to drain naturally. This helps prevent flooding and erosion while promoting healthy ecosystems within the greenway.
Maintenance responsibilities can be shared between local authorities, community groups, volunteers, and private sponsors, depending on the specific project. We would hope we could make some arrangements once it has been completed.
Environmental impact assessments are conducted to minimize disruption and ensure wildlife safety during construction. Mitigation measures might include timing construction outside sensitive periods or creating wildlife corridors within the greenway design.
Greenways are generally designed to enhance the environment, but any potential negative impacts are carefully assessed and mitigated. Construction materials and methods are chosen to minimize environmental impact, and native plants are often used in landscaping.
Wouldn’t it be nice if all 14 miles of the proposed route was fully available to be utilised into a greenway? Of course that is not the case. Sections of the route (particularly between Otley and Burley have land already in public ownership which is a good start but we are sensitive that there is of course some land in private ownership which requires delicate discussions with those planning and implementing the route which is not what FOWG are part of. We do hope that a solution can be found either by alternative routes or agreements can be found with those land owners. A recently released Sustrans article, shows how Government funding could be a potential help in assisting farmers in agreeing to open up small parts of their land for active travel routes.
Routes will also pass nearby private properties. Privacy and security are genuine concerns but we would push for any designs to be mindful of that, minimising any natural “screening” or even increasing any way to ensure privacy is maintained. Other greenways have had to deal with this issue many times so this should be no different.
Being near to a greenway can help increase active travel, have health benefits and even increase house prices for nearby residents so we would hope the many benefits outweigh any concerns.
Proper design and maintenance, including some lighting, clear sightlines, and regular patrols, can help deter unwanted activity and ensure everyone feels safe using the greenway.
Friends of Wharfedale Greenway is a group of passionate volunteers dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the creation of a beautiful greenway along the Wharfe valley. We strive to connect communities, promote sustainable transportation, and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Our organisation serves the diverse communities along the Wharfe valley, including residents, visitors, and local businesses. We collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the greenway project meets the needs and desires of all those who will benefit from it.
Please note that the Friends are not leading on planning the Wharfedale Greenway, which is being undertaken by a steering group of Town and Parish Councils along the route, with local authorities, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Sustrans. The overall aim of the Friends is to raise awareness of the Greenway along the valley, demonstrating the support that the project enjoys. Once the first sections of the route are completed, we expect to contribute to maintenance, promoting the Greenway as a community resource, and encouraging its use by as many people as possible.
You can read more on our About Us page.
Friends of Wharfedale Greenway is a group of volunteers who give their time to help promote the Wharfedale Greenway proposal. As a group we do have small overhead costs such as Insurance and website hosting, as well as miscellaneous costs such as printing leaflets & posters to equipment such as gazebos and flags. We rely on donations from the general public and corporate supporters who may donate funds of specific equipment. You can read more on our About Us page.
The are many ways you can help Friends of Wharfedale Greenway. Please see our page about getting involved.
Remember, greenways are more than just paths; they are vital threads connecting communities, nature, and well-being. Let’s work together to build a greener future, one section at a time!
What will the Greenway bring?
Our values
Our Core Values
01
Community
We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and unity among the residents and businesses along the Wharfe Valley. Together, we can create a vibrant and connected community.
02
Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is at the heart of our mission. By promoting green transportation options and preserving the natural habitat, we strive to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
03
Collaboration
We value the power of collaboration and believe that by working together with local authorities, businesses, and the community, we can make the Wharfedale Greenway a reality.
What Our Supporters Say
The Friends of Wharfedale Greenway have played an instrumental role in raising awareness and garnering support for the project. Their dedication and passion are truly inspiring.
– John Smith
I’m grateful for the opportunities the Wharfedale Greenway project has brought to our community. It has not only improved connectivity but also enhanced our quality of life.
– Emily Johnson
As a business owner, I’m proud to support the Wharfedale Greenway. It’s a sustainable initiative that benefits both residents and companies in the area.
– Sarah Wilson