About Us

The Friends of Ilkley Moor (FoIM), founded in 2008, is a registered charity no. 1126733. The Friends work closely with Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council and other partner organisations such as Natural England to preserve and improve understanding and awareness of the Moor.

Since our inception we have developed a range of wildlife conservation and fundraising projects.

Like many upland habitats Ilkley Moor has suffered ecological degradation, in part, due to past management practices of over grazing and drainage of the blanket bog.

We work with Bradford Countryside Services to restore, protect and improve Ilkley Moor for the benefit of the environment, all those who use the Moor and those who reside in the surrounding area.

These activities require not only time but money to fund hardcore, building materials,
tools and equipment. It costs an average of £5,000 to restore a mile of footpath.
We apply for grants from local fundraising organisations and businesses as well as the Heritage Lottery Fund. Since our inception in 2008 we have raised over 175,000 in funds, in addition to our members’ subscriptions and donations, all of which has been spent to deliver our aims of restoring, protecting and improving Ilkley Moor.

Most weeks our volunteers work with Bradford Countryside Services to repair and improve footpaths on the Moor, control bracken and clear inappropriate vegetation, manage wildlife habits, clear litter, assist in peatland restoration and consequent flood control.

This equates to over £24,000 worth of free labour every year!

The aims of the Friends are

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To restore, protect and improve Ilkley Moor, for the benefit of the environment, all those who use Ilkley Moor and those who reside in the surrounding area.
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To assist the Council in the care and maintenance of Ilkley Moor and its wildlife, flora and recreational use.
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To encourage local schools and youth organisations to use Ilkley Moor constructively for pleasure and education.
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To encourage appreciation of the ecology and history of Ilkley Moor.
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To notify the Council when any hazards or problems with the area become apparent.
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To liaise with local residents and other users of Ilkley Moor in order to represent their needs and ideas.
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To apply for grants independently or in conjunction with the Council to provide materials or labour to support projects which the Council has insufficient funding, or for which the Council is unable to provide funding.
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To develop projects in partnership with, or with the knowledge of the Council.
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To encourage all groups making recreational use of Ilkley Moor to be represented on the group.
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To publicise the group’s activities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in order to encourage people to take an active part in preserving and maintaining Ilkley Moor.