15th January 2026
From a reclaimed coal mine to a thriving green space for the community – Fryston.
Fryston Country Trails is a 65-hectare green space in Castleford West Yorkshire, transformed from the former Fryston and Wheldale colliery sites. Through extensive reclamation, the area has become a flourishing hub for wildlife, recreation, and community engagement.
Fryston, along with other green spaces that are managed for local communities, don’t always have the required funding for conservation aims. The Land Trust is committed to working with those seeking Biodiversity Net Gain arrangements to utilise funds to elevate conservation and improve local habitat for wildlife and fauna.
We are pleased to announce that an Allocation Agreement with Taylor Wimpey plc for the Fryston Country Trails delivering over 18 Biodiversity Units of woodland and meadows was launched in Autumn 2025.
Head of Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain, Ben Christie speaking on the agreement said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved for local communities and wildlife when two organisations come together with shared values. The work that began in Autumn includes managing areas of grassland, woodland enhancements and scrub planting. Fryston is a space designed for all ages and stands as a proud example of land regeneration and community-focused green space.”
To learn more about BNG and what the Land Trust can offer – click here
To discuss how the Land Trust can facilitate your BNG requirements, reach out to Ben Christie benchristie@thelandtrust.org.uk