One of Yorkshire's most stunning landscapes, Ilkley Moor, got a £50,000 boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) today.  Local residents group, the Friends of Ilkley Moor, will use the grant to help conserve and improve access to the much loved moorland. 

The iconic Moor has suffered from erosion and environmental degradation in recent years but today's news will help to protect the three square miles of countryside. The dedicated Friends Group can't do it alone though and are putting out a call to action for local people to join in and help them protect the landscape for future generations. 

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "The rugged landscape of Ilkley Moor is steeped in Yorkshire history and acts as a home to many rare species.  Yet, like many such gems it is fragile and we must strike a fine balance between protecting it and ensuring people can enjoy it.  Today's news will do just that, giving communities the chance to explore and care for the heritage on their doorstep."

The money will be used to improve footpaths, to start controlling the spread of bracken, and most important of all, to involve as many local volunteers and young people as possible in practical work on the Moor.

Roughly half the money will be spent on practical projects, such as footpath restoration and environmental conservation, and half on commissioning a freelance Project Officer to encourage appreciation and understanding of the Moor.

Owen Wells, Chair of the Friends of Ilkley Moor said "we are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the unique status of Ilkley Moor and the work that we are planning to improve access to the Moor. Ilkley Moor is more than the inspiration for a famous song; it is one of the finest areas of open mountain moorland in the UK. It is a priceless heritage and this grant will help us to ensure that we can hand it on to future generations in a better state.  If anyone would like to express an interest carrying out the Project Officer role please do get in touch."

The Friends of Ilkley Moor are delighted that the fabulous news about the HLF grant coincides with the launch of their website. Now anyone logging on to www.ilkleymoor.org will have access to a fund of information about Ilkley Moor.

Owen Wells, Chair of the Friends of Ilkley Moor said "we are hoping to continuously improve our website to ensure that it will become the first and most authoritative source of information on all matters relating to Ilkley Moor."

For further information, please contact:
Owen Wells, Chair, Friends of Ilkley Moor
23 Eaton Road, Ilkley LS29 9PU
01943 602270
o.r.wells@gmail.com

Notes to editors
The Friends of Ilkley Moor is an independent not for profit voluntary organisation set up in April 2008 and in the process of becoming a registered charity.  The Friends, works closely with Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council and other partner organisations such as Natural England to preserve and improve understanding and awareness of the Moor.  Ilkley Moor is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area.  It is a unique landscape, in parts designed, and is important for archaeology and rock art, social history, geology and its wildlife habitat.