Bringing nature, history and community together at Brackenbed
Updated: 3 hours ago
Brackenbed is quickly becoming one of Halifax's most valuable green spaces. Thanks to recent improvements, more people than ever are discovering the site, connecting with nature and enjoying opportunities to be active outdoors.
But investing in the space is only part of the story. Equally important is helping people make use of it.
This summer, a series of community events has introduced many residents to Brackenbed for the very first time, showcasing not only its natural beauty but also its rich history and growing role at the heart of the community.
A summer fun day to remember
The first major event saw the 51st Pellon Scouts, supported by Halifax Central Initiative and North Halifax Partnership, host a summer fun day in the park.
Families enjoyed a packed programme of activities including bug hunting, woodland walks and archery, while the sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for a day spent outdoors. Visitors also had the chance to see the impressive new sculptures, designed by students from Halifax Academy, which were displayed high in the trees throughout the site.
Hundreds of people attended from surrounding neighbourhoods and beyond, spending time together, exploring the woodland and enjoying everything the park has to offer.
For many, it was their first visit in years.
Several visitors commented that they had not been to Brackenbed for decades, explaining that recent accessibility improvements had made the site far easier to explore. One local mother described it as a special discovery, highlighting the lack of accessible green space available in the immediate area.
Exploring Halifax's hidden history
Brackenbed's story goes far beyond its woodland trails.
Later in the summer, local historian David Glover led two guided heritage walks, giving participants the opportunity to explore the site's fascinating past.
Across the two walks, 36 people gathered at the top of Carriage Drive before embarking on a journey through time. Along the route, they learned about landmarks and industries that once shaped the area, including Birks Hall, the former high railway line and the wire works that once operated on the site.
For many attendees, the walks offered another opportunity to experience Brackenbed for the first time while gaining a deeper understanding of how the landscape has evolved over the years.
"It's great to see the local community both leading on events, and encouraging the surrounding communities to come down and enjoy what this beautiful, natural site has to offer. The saying 'build it and they will come' is not always true, particularly for those people who may be socially isolated or have lots of questions about visiting a new space.
Information, support and encouragement from those that people connect with are key in overcoming such barriers and we're really pleased to see so many people visit the site this summer. A big thanks to all those involved"
Anthony Whittaker - Public Health Practitioner, Calderdale Council
More improvements still to come
The transformation of Brackenbed is far from over.
Further sculptures will be added to the site, while new waymarkers will help visitors discover more about the park's wildlife and heritage as they explore. These additions will create even more opportunities for people to connect with the landscape and learn about the stories that have shaped it.
The improvements have been made possible through investment from Calderdale Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helping ensure Brackenbed continues to grow as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
A bright future
The success of this summer's events has shown that Brackenbed is a place where residents can come together, enjoy the outdoors and develop a stronger connection with their local area.
Whether discovering hidden wildlife, uncovering stories from Halifax's past or simply enjoying a walk through the woodland, more people are now experiencing everything Brackenbed has to offer, and with further improvements on the way, its future looks brighter than ever.
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