ORCHIDS are taking root at a new wildlife site in Cullingworth created as a result of work on a major housing development.

Both orchids and rare blue butterflies have settled into their new home after being moved from elsewhere on the site at Manywells.

Surveyors from Bradford Urban Wildlife Trust have recorded 1,000 ‘spikes’– signs of new growth on transplanted orchids – at the new location at the top of the development.

Village councillors expressed concern when plans were first announced to move the existing orchid patch next to the Great Northern Trail.

But the councillors were relieved to receive a positive report from the Wildlife Trust at their meeting this month.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has agreed to take on responsibility for the site.

Barratt David Wilson Holmes is currently building more than 230 homes and 2,160 sq metres of commercial floor space on the site of former industrial land at Manywells.

As part of the project, the company will donate £410,000 to build a new village hall and pre-school facility in Cullingworth.