Every Wednesday morning, when weather permits, a dedicated team of EPIKS Volunteer Environmental Rangers heads out to care for some of the green spaces in our area. One of those spaces is Kilner Bank, a stretch of hillside near the stadium that we’ve been steadily restoring and maintaining over the past year.
Support From Some Very Special Guests
A couple of weeks ago EPIKS Environmental Ranger Gilly met up with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service to discuss securing the barriers that keep Kilner Bank Road closed. The aim of this targeted action is to prevent fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, making the nature reserve a safe space for wildlife, walkers and cyclists.
It was however a great surprise when our usual session took a welcome turn when we were joined by members of the crew, who threw themselves into the task, helping to cut back vegetation and clear debris from the old road surface. They’ve also offered to return and continue supporting our work.
Their visit brought a valuable new perspective. We learned that Kilner Bank Road forms part of an essential emergency access route, but over time it has become difficult to navigate due to overgrown vegetation and general deterioration. Fire engines using the route risk being damaged or slipping on the steep banking. Access delays can make a real difference in an emergency, especially when time and visibility are limited.
As Watch Commander Steve O’Keefe said:
“It really goes a long way in helping us tackle these fires and keep our communities safe.”
Volunteers hard at work clearing overgrown vegetation.
History of the Kilner Bank Area
Kilner Bank Road was closed in 2003 after it was deemed unsafe for the size and volume of traffic it was handling. After the closure, the Kilner Bank Improvement Group worked to transform the former quarry site by creating footpaths, installing seating and managing the space for the benefit of both the community and local wildlife.
In recent years, the area has unfortunately seen a rise in antisocial behaviour. Barriers that were installed to prevent vehicle access have been repeatedly damaged, allowing cars back onto the route. This has increased risks to cyclists, walkers and wildlife, and has also made the site a hotspot for fly tipping.
Our Aims for the Future
Our Volunteer Rangers have been focusing not only on environmental improvement, but also on helping to secure the area from unauthorised vehicle access. Over the past year, volunteers have cleared large areas of invasive vegetation, restored riverside habitats and opened up neglected pathways. Their work is not only improving the landscape but is also playing a part in supporting the safety of the wider community. Having the Fire and Rescue Service on site was a real boost, and we’re looking forward to continuing the partnership.
Our volunteers were so excited to work with the Fire and Rescue Service crew!
A Big Thanks to…
Much of this work has been made possible thanks to the support of the following funders:
Thornton Family Fund (One Community) – Four of our recent Wednesday sessions have been supported through this funding.
STADA Community Fund – One of our weekly sessions has been supported by STADA, and we’re also preparing to welcome their team for an upcoming Corporate Social Responsibility day.
Green Routes – This project is supported in part by the Kirklees Growing Great Places Fund, with additional contributions raised through public donations on Spacehive.
Gilly, our lead Environmental Ranger looks after our brilliant team of volunteers.
How to Get Involved
If you’d like to join us on a Wednesday morning, we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers. No experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and suitable footwear. To get involved, email us at
If you’re not able to join in person but would still like to support our work, donations towards training, tools and refreshments are very welcome. You can contribute via our Donorbox page. However large or small, every donation helps.
Together, we’re making Kilner Bank a safer, greener and more accessible place for everyone!