Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve

Formed by the deposition of fly ash and, later, landfill when the power station was in operation, the plateau is bordered by the railway and the River Aire. The Leeds Liverpool Canal, running alongside the site is a contributing factor to the reserve’s diversity. Three main habitats exist: the plateau meadows with boundary scrub, the river bank with mature trees and scrub, and the 2.8 hectare island with oak woodland and spring bluebells, which provides urban wildlife with a tranquil haven. 15,000 trees and shrubs have been planted and these complement existing oak, birch and willow which has regenerated since the power station closed in the 1960s.

Meadows brim over with wild flowers such as meadow vetchling, tufted and bush vetch and ox-eye daisy. Over 180 plant species have been recorded. Bird life is equally notable with 65 species recorded, including nesting kingfisher and reed bunting. Pheasant, grey partridge and goosander visit, remarkable for an urban site. Sixteen butterfly species have been recorded including comma and small copper and also six species of dragonfly. These numbers could increase with the establishment of reedbeds adjacent to the ponds, where frogs, toads and smooth newts can be found.

The reserve is managed to provide a refuge in the centre of Leeds for wildlife and people to enjoy. The meadows are cut in the summer but the areas of scrub and woodland are left to develop naturally.

Directions

The reserve is only two miles to the west of Leeds city centre off the A65, which connects the outer and inner ring roads. As one travels out of Leeds, a reserve road sign next to the Asda Supermarket indicates where Redcote Lane turns left off the A65 and leads to the reserve gates. Buses from Leeds city centre are frequent with a bus stop at the end of Redcote Lane. For cyclists and walkers the route along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which links the reserve with the city centre and the outer ring road at Rodley, is very pleasant.