Buck Woods, Thackley is Under Threat
Buck Woods, one of our area’s most precious green spaces, is under threat of being sold off by Bradford Council. We need your help to stop this from happening.
Why is this happening?
In March 2024, the Council’s Executive decided to sell off assets it owns “to generate capital receipts to support the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.”
In plain language, the Council is attempting to raise funds by selling land and property it owns on behalf of residents. At that time, they published a list which included farms in our area. You can read their report here: [Executive Agenda, 5 March 2024](Public Pack)Agenda Document for Executive, 05/03/2024 12:00).
What has happened since?
Community groups like ours have been working through each case, trying to protect woodlands, footpaths, and other vital features of our environment.
Some farms are tenanted, meaning they will stay in use until those tenancies end. After that, the new owners will be able to sell or develop them, subject to the planning rules in effect at the time.
Meanwhile, the Council is pressing ahead with its plan to sell £150 million worth of assets over a four-year period. As of 15 July 2025, it had identified £84.4m, completed £10.3m of sales, and agreed another £12.7m (which is not yet finished).
Why take action now?
Buck Woods was not on the Council’s original list of land for sale. However, it has now been added, and the Council is seeking views and comments on the proposed sale. They are asking the Local Councillors only! Not the public, which we think is outrageous.
So the Liberal Democrat Councillors are asking you. This consultation may be the only chance you, as the community and rightful owners of this space, get to have your say.
Buck Woods is:
- An ancient woodland, rich in biodiversity
- Home to a wide range of wildlife
- A place of history, with evidence of Bronze Age human activity
- A vital open space for walking, play, wellbeing, and community life
Losing it to a sale could mean losing it forever.
We need your help — and we only have until September 9, 2025, to act. Please:
- Sign our petition to Save Buck Woods (below)
- Complete our survey “Why woodlands are important to me” — your views will contribute to a community report we will present to the Council.
- Share this campaign with your friends, family, and neighbours so they can take action too.
Together, we can save Buck Woods. Thank you for your support. Every voice, every signature, and every survey response makes a difference.
Save Our Woods Petition
Buck Woods is under threat. In March 2024, Bradford Council’s Executive agreed to sell off council-owned land and property to raise £150 million over four years. Now, despite not being on the original list, Buck Woods has been earmarked for sale. This is unacceptable. Buck Woods is: A much-loved local green space for walking, play, and community activities An ancient woodland that supports wildlife and biodiversity A site of historic importance, with evidence of Bronze Age human activity A vital resource for residents who value nature, fresh air, and wellbeing Selling it off would mean losing a treasured part of our community forever. We, the undersigned, call on Bradford Council to: Stop the sell-off of Buck Woods, Protect our ancient woodland for future generations and Recognise the importance of Buck Woods for local people, nature, and heritage. Buck Woods belongs to the community. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.