Specie's Page                                               Rodley Nature Reserve, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Rodley Nature Reserve: This beautiful and unique wetland nature reserve was created in 1999, it sits on the north bank, in a loop of the River Aire, and is on the site of an old sewerage works.

It's former owners, Yorkshire Water, proposed in 1992 that the redundant works be turned into a nature reserve. After discussions with local wildlife groups the plan was approved. After years of planning and raising funds, the reserve was created in 1999, and officially opened by Michael Meacher, the then Government Minister of State for the Environment.

Since 2000 the reserve has been improved in leaps and bounds. Many new features have been added, it is now possible to park within the boundaries of the reserve itself. As a result of other improvements the reserve is a haven for many species, including some locally, and nationally rare and endangered species.

Trails are very well laid and are generally easy to walk on, the road to the visitor centre is in excellent condition. Since 2000 dragon and damsel fly pools have been created. Other features include several bird hides over looking the lakes and marshes, including the 'Managers Hide' over looking the bird feeders. The reserve also incorporates a visitor centre, woodland and coppiced area's, wild flower and butterfly meadows and a garden. There is disabled parking, and easy ramp access to bird hides etc.

Education is of a priority for the Rodley Reseve team, and educational area's, and signing is quite prominent.

See Reserve Map:

On my first visit in 2024 since 2006, I saw many species. Lapwing, Oyster Catcher and Lesser Black-backed Gull appeared common place. Kingfisher can be seen all the year round, and many scarce species have been recorded there.

The reserve is accessed via a swing bridge over the canal which runs parallel to the River Aire. You may want to allow extra time, due to minor delays with boat traffic on the canal. The road then proceeds over a static bridge over the Aire. There is an overflow car park just over the bridge, or proceed further up the road to the main carp park and visitor centre.

See Reserve Map: