One of Yorkshire’s most valuable spaces for nature, Brockadale has long been loved by residents from across the county. Throughout the pandemic, Brockadale has been a haven for thousands of people, providing a rare natural and open space in an otherwise developed part of the county. 

We, along with several national nature conservation organisations and local community groups, objected to the quarry’s extension. We remain concerned that, among other things, the dust from the extension risks smothering the reserve’s rare and endangered wildlife. 

The Government’s own Official Statistics show 85% of Yorkshire’s residents are ‘concerned about damage to the natural environment’. An increasing number of people realise and experience the importance of nature recognised by the UK Government recently making commitments to become a world leader in restoring nature. By voting to approve this application, North Yorkshire County Councillors have chosen to ignore the wishes of Yorkshire folk and the ambitions of the UK Government.  

“The people of Yorkshire value Yorkshire’s nature,” said Danny Heptinstall, Director of Policy and Partnerships at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. “More and more Yorkshire folk want to see Yorkshire’s nature restored and not destroyed. By approving this application, North Yorkshire County Councillors have shown they are out of step with the people of Yorkshire and the nation.”  

We remain committed to championing Yorkshire’s nature and will continue to defend special wild spaces like Brockadale. We encourage all those who share our aims to become supporters of the Trust.  

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust would like to thank those Councillors who did recognise the importance of Yorkshire’s nature and voted against this application. We are heartened that several councillors changed their minds and chose to oppose this application this time around.

“Today is a sad day for Yorkshire’s people and its nature,” said Danny. “But more people want a future full of nature, than those who don’t. We won’t let this decision dampen our drive to create a nature positive future for everyone in Yorkshire.”