A MAJOR nature restoration programme in the region has received a £1.9 million boost.

The Landscapes for Water initiative – which will see trees planted, peatlands restored and natural flood management measures implemented across the South Pennines, including Keighley and the Worth Valley – has been awarded the cash by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, announced the funding as part of a £22m flood prevention plan for the region.

Landscapes for Water has begun with the airlifting of 45,000 tree tubes and stakes onto sites on Marsden Moor, in readiness for planting to take place.

Over the next five years, the venture – led by the National Trust and Yorkshire Water – aims to deliver schemes throughout the South Pennines to protect habitats and wildlife, repair damage to moorland and reduce flood risks for communities downstream.

The combined authority grant will enable natural flood management to be developed across five upland areas. 'Leaky dams' and other measures will be installed.

Ms Brabin says: "As climate change worsens, and floods become more common, it’s vital we step-up our support for businesses and communities and ensure our region is fit for the future.

"We want West Yorkshire to be more resilient to flooding so we can avoid a repeat of the terrible devastation caused by the 2015 Boxing Day floods."

Jess Yorke, the National Trust’s project lead for Landscapes for Water, says: "We're very grateful for the support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and are thrilled that it will enable us to deliver more natural flood management as part of our programme.

"This isn’t the first time we’ve delivered natural flood management in partnership with the combined authority. Previous projects have resulted in positive outcomes for people and nature. We're pleased to be able to carry on the good work, which has benefits for wildlife and tourism as well as mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting our downstream communities."

And Hazel Earnshaw, lead countryside and woodland advisor for Yorkshire Water, describes the funding as "welcome news".

She adds: "We’d like to thank West Yorkshire Combined Authority for its support.

"As the second-largest landowner in Yorkshire, we’re committed to protecting the environment. Being able to deliver more natural flood management solutions will not only benefit wildlife and the environment, it will also help our customers who live in downstream communities, giving them a natural defence against flooding."