"We are disgusted": Arrests as 200 party-goers flock to illegal island rave on protected Leeds nature reserve

Revellers carrying torches waded through the River Aire to get to the party, which started shortly before 7pm.

Videos circulating on social media show large groups of people congregating around a DJ with decks and a sound system.

The secluded area has been a target for raves several times over the past few years.

Three arrests were made and sound equipment was seized.

Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve was set up in the early ninetines, and the island itself is not meant to be accessible for people.

A spokesperson for Urban Wildlife Leeds said: "Well the fine youth of Leeds ONCE AGAIN show NO RESPECT for wildlife in bird breeding season never mind lock down.

"Not content with the damage they caused at the last one in 2018 burning down meadows full of moths and butterflies and causing disturbance to waterfowl wildlife.

"This time it was on the protected nature reserve island.

"We are not happy. Being a quiet refuge for nature and waterfowl in the Kirkstall Valley, we have only just got some species breeding in the Kirkstall Valley, seeking refuge on the reserve island which is meant to be NO PUBLIC ACCESS all year round.

"We saw people walking round the island with torches from the Burley Mills side of the river. People were gathering at St Anns and Burley Mills, obviously not knowing how to get across the river to the illegal gathering.

"When we made our report, the police told us 200 people were there and the fire brigade were called out to access the island safely, as you have to cross the river.

"We are DISGUSTED with the LITTLE RESPECT people show for wildlife thinking only of themselves and where they can get the next high from."

The area is just inside the Armley ward boundary, but Kirkstall councillor John Illingworth helped to set up the nature reserve.

He said: "I have not been down yet but I will be expecting to see empty trollies that were used to carry drink there.

"The river is fairly low so it has been easy for them to cross.

"I would like to think it is just ignorance on their part. If they did it knowing the damage they were doing then it's worse.

"Very often it's just that people need educating about these things."

Superintendent Chris Bowen of West Yorkshire Police said: “We would urge people to consider their own safety and the safety of others, particularly during the warmer weather and the ongoing period of lockdown.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners to engage, explain and encourage in a way that will influence people’s behaviours, using enforcement only in the circumstances that we have to.”

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