Newsletter
August 2026
Welcome
Dear Friends,
intro from Colm
People counters?
Elections/ new people to work with?
Dissolvement of Steering Committee moving to a higher level working group
Business case updates?
Colm McCann
Chairman FoWG
Route Updates
Otley to Burley in Wharfedale
The report on the work the Walking, Wheeling, Cycling Trust (formally Systrans) is due to be publised soon giving us a better understanding of the route requirements between Burley in Wharfedale and Otley.
Ilkley to Addingham
The working group on this section have continue liaising with some landowners on a potential route for this section with some positive feedback. This work will continue with remaining landowners.
News & Events
FoWG at Menston
Friends of Wharfedale Greenway were delighted to attend the Menston Primary School Summer Fair 2026, sharing a stall with Climate Action Menston (CAM) and Menston Area Nature Trust (MANT). The fair was a fantastic community event, bringing together families, local organisations, and residents for an enjoyable afternoon of activities, conversations, and community spirit.
FOWG at Otley Green Fair 2026
Friends of Wharfedale Greenway were delighted to attend Otley Green Fair 2026 at Otley Courthouse – and what a fantastic day it turned out to be. Despite a few lively rain showers, the event was extremely well attended, with a steady stream of visitors keen to learn more about the Wharfedale Greenway and the progress being made.
FOWG at Ilkley’s People Emergency 2026 Event
On May 15, 2026, the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway (FOWG) were pleased to attend a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, hosted by Climate Action Ilkley. The event centred around an incredibly powerful film fronted by Chris Packham (you can watch the trailer here), followed by a community discussion on actionable steps we can take to mitigate climate change. This was also an opportunity to catch up with Robbie Moor MP on how we can continue to work together to see the Wharfedale Greenway project come to life.
Government Active Travel Plan Announcement
The government has just announced a landmark £4.5 billion investment over the next five years to fuel a nationwide walking and cycling boom. Through Active Travel England’s new “Worth Every Step” delivery plan, the aim is to build 5,000 new routes and 10,000 safer crossings by 2030.
For the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway, this isn’t just a national headline—it is exactly the kind of financial backing our project needs to become a reality. Here is why this new strategy perfectly aligns with our vision for Wharfedale, and how it could help us finally get spades in the ground.
Show Your Support for the Wharfedale Greenway
Your voice matters — and together we can show just how much our community wants to see the Greenway happen.
✅ Follow us on social media
✅ Like and share our posts
✅ Tag us in anything Greenway‑related you think we should see
Please view our links below to visit our Social Media sites and give us a Like and Follow us.
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Volunteers Needed
Dates for Diary
Below are our upcoming events so far that we’re attending:
TBC October/November 2026 – Annual General Meeting
More events maybe planned in. Keep an eye out for announcements.
Other Useful Sites
Contact Us
If you’d like to get in touch with Friends of Wharfedale Greenway, it’s easy! Whether you have questions, want to volunteer, or simply wish to stay updated, you can reach out through our Contact Us page. There, you’ll find an email address for direct inquiries, a form to sign up for our newsletter, and links to our various social media channels.
Your support and engagement help bring the vision of the Greenway to life—so don’t hesitate to drop us a message!