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Saturday 17 November 2012

Rodley Nature Reserve


Here's a place I've been meaning to visit for ages - Rodley Nature Reserve. Halfway between Saltaire and Leeds city centre, it is a managed wetland reserve in the middle of an essentially urban area. I'm not too sure how long it has been there (possibly about 15 years?) but it was developed to capitalise on a natural 'flyway' for wildfowl and waders, where the River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal wind their way through a floodplain in the Kirkstall Valley. Pools, marshes, reedbeds and willow coppice provide a rich habitat for birdlife, amphibians and dragonflies. In the summer months, hay meadows full of wildflowers attract butterflies.


It's a delightful place to wander. You can almost - but not quite - forget that you are so close to houses and factories. I like the juxtaposition, in the photo above, of the insect 'hotel' with the houses and church in the background (Horsforth, I think). Even at this time of year there is lots to enjoy - and a small café/visitor centre, run by volunteers, affords a warming cup of tea and cake if you get chilled.

7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful place to have on your doorstep. Love the insect hotel, too!

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  2. Excellent shot of that water. And it looks like a pile of books on the bottom! Fun post today. Nice to see your countryside. Gin

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  3. It looks so peaceful there and must be a wonderful place to spend the afternoon!

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  4. Beautiful landscapes where to stroll in the beautiful autumn light..

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  5. You have been showing some great places lately. Your part of England looks great in autumn.

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  6. It is great to have nature reserves close to towns where you can walk and imagine that you are miles away from civilisation. The cafe sounds cosy too.

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