Ferniehurst Dell

Access

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Quick description

What’s there?

Situated within the Aire Valley between Shipley and Baildon, the Ferniehurst Dell is a notable beauty spot and picturesque recreational area in the core of Baildon. It features a shallow and steep–sided valley flanked by housing on two sides, a road on one side, and playing fields on the other. Visitors can take advantage of a tarmac footpath along the wood that serves as a popular and convenient access route between housing complexes and the main road.

Trim trail

This fitness facility can be accessed from the main entrance and its path is signposted by green arrows.

Sculptures

In 2013 the Armed Forces Community Covenant Committee granted the Friends of Ferniehurst Dell a substantial amount to carry out renovations to the Dell, including the construction of the Yorkshire Armed Forces Sculpture Trail, which opened on 28th June 2014 (Armed Forces Day). The Trail consists of 12 sculptures in various media and revolves around topics related to the armed forces.

History

In the 1860s, Edward Salt built a grand house with numerous rooms and outbuildings called Ferniehurst Mansion on the grounds of what is now known as Dell. The house was comprised of 12 bedrooms, a tower, wine cellars, and servants‘ rooms, as well as facilities for the outdoor staff such as a laundry, stabling, and large greenhouses. Unfortunately, the estate was foreclosed on by the Bradford Banking Co. in 1880 after the Salts Mill Company experienced financial failure. In the 1890s, the property was bought by George Camille Waud and eventually, in the 1930s, the house and its outbuildings were demolished by a quarrying company, leaving no remains.

Natural history

Flora

In 2010, the Bradford Urban Wildlife Group recorded 78 different species of vegetation (including Wych Elm, Beech, Elm, Hazel, Holly, and Rhododendron) during their survey of Ferniehurst Dell. The following year, the Ferniehurst Dell Improvement Partnership planted an orchard comprising of several fruit trees (Red Delicious Apple, Early Rivers Plum, Morello Cherry, Moorpack Apricot, Damson, and Opal). 

Wildlife

During the summer months a variety of butterflies can be seen in the Dell including the rare White-letter Hairstreak variety that feeds on nectar from the Wych Elm trees, Brambles and Hogweed.