THE new chair of a wildlife trust which owns a Keighley-area nature reserve has spoken of the "critical" role played by the organisation.

Nick Perks has taken up the chairmanship of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's board of trustees.

The charity has responsibility for 112 nature reserves across the region, including Low Wood, a three-hectare site alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Riddlesden.

It also spearheads the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, which to date has restored an area of upland blanket bog the size of Bradford; is working on the restoration of 1,300 hectares of limestone, grassland and slopes around Ingleborough, and runs an extensive programme of events to get more people involved in nature.

"A groundswell of people are taking action for nature across Yorkshire and countless more want to see it flourish," says Mr Perks.

"Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has a critical role to play in looking after some of our most special wild places, restoring our finest landscapes, involving local communities and speaking up for nature.

"As the trust goes from strength to strength, I am honoured to lead such a committed board of trustees, overseeing the incredible work of our dedicated and skilled staff team."

He succeeds Jo Webb, who has stepped down after four years as chair.

Trust chief executive, Rachael Bice, says: "Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is proud to be at the forefront of nature conservation in the region, and is uniquely placed to help spearhead a drive towards nature’s recovery.

"We have been working to ensure Yorkshire’s precious wildlife has been protected for 78 years, and our work is even more important now when pressures on wildlife and wild places are so high.

"To continue to build a wilder future for our wildlife and our county, we need a skilled, experienced and dedicated governing body. I want to thank outgoing chair Jo Webb for her dedication and time as a trustee and chair, and to welcome Nick Perks into his new role.

"We are a movement built on the actions of people from all walks of life, with the shared goal of making a difference to create a wilder Yorkshire."

The trust also has a new vice-president, Professor Alastair Fitter.

He says: "It is a privilege to take up the position. The trust has already done so much for Yorkshire’s wildlife, and has much more to offer, alongside members, funders and everyone who helps support its work."