A community development worker hopes to bring people from opposite sides of a Keighley valley together by getting them down into the woods.

Karen Wadsworth will draw on her Forest School training as part of the project to revitalise Holme House Woods.

She wants to involve residents of Laycock, Braithwaite and Fell Lane, which all overlook the woods and the North Beck.

Karen is working with ward councillor Jan Smithies and the Woodland Trust, as part of their long-term plans to improve the woods.

Coun Smithies said: “We want to expand usage of the woods and bring people together for tree-planting, general maintenance or to guide other people on walks. We want to widen local schools’ knowledge.”

Karen also hopes to run Forest School sessions – which involve activities like camp fire cooking, den building and wood carving – for community groups across Keighley West ward.

She said: “I’m very passionate about woodlands. For a child that’s not thriving in the classroom, a Forest School can build their confidence and encourage teamwork.”

People interested in Holme House Woods are invited to a neighbourhood forum meeting at Laycock Village Hall at 7pm on March 12.

Contact Karen on (01535) 609506 for further information.