Water Haigh Woodland Park
Location
OS Map Reference
SE 37936 28531 (Canal end, Fleet Lane car park)SE 37837 28219 (Fleet Lane car park)
SE 36814 28484 (Amenity grassland and woodlands)
SE 36879 28501 (Woodlands and wood pasture)
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
June to SeptemberAbout the reserve
Coronation Meadows
To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Queens coronation in 2013, Water Haigh woodland park received a donation of wildflower seeds from Brockadale nature reserve and was designated as a Coronation Meadow.
Since then, these new Coronation Meadows have increased the area of this valuable habitat, providing new homes for bees, butterflies and other pollinators and helping to secure our wild flower heritage for the next 60 years and beyond.
About
This site is a mosaic of woodland, meadow, grassland and wetland. The plantation woodlands are of varying age and include species such as oak, beech, ash and sycamore which support a variety of bird species such as Long-tailed, Great and Blue tits.
The former spoil heap is now a beautiful wildflower meadow. It is well worth a walk over this meadow to see the view and enjoy the wildflowers. Often common Buzzards, Red kites, Cormorants and Grey Herons can be seen flying over.
Roe Deer and harvest mice have been sighted in this area so be on the look-out!
Water Haigh Woodland Park is managed in partnership with Leeds City Council.
Contact the Reserves Officer to get involved with managing the site with the Lower Aire Valley Volunteer group.
Seasonal highlights
- Spring: Birds - Skylark; Song thrush
- Summer: Mammals - Otter
- Autumn: Birds - Marsh Harrier; Mammals - Roe Deer
- Winter: Birds - Buzzard; Tawny owl
History
Water Haigh Woodland Park used to be occupied by Water Haigh Colliery which closed in 1970.
In the late 1970s work began to transform the former spoil heap into a green oasis.
Directions
Public transport
A train service runs between Leeds and Woodlesford, a short walk away from the site.
By car
Take Junction 44 off the M1 onto the A639/Leeds Road south. Follow the A639 past the petrol station and onto the roundabout. Take the first exit onto A642/Calverley Road, then a right turn onto Fleet Lane. Park at the end of the road or on Eshald Lane.
