Leeds wildlife haven is a '˜special place'

TRANQUIL PLACE: Ledston Luck, near Kippax, has been recognised as a Local Nature Reserve.

The award to Ledston Luck Nature Reserve, near Kippax, recognises its rich wildlife and enjoyment value.

The 16.8 hectare reserve, which is owned by Leeds City Council and managed in partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT), is a haven for wildlife.

Coun Lucinda Yeadon, executive board member for environment and sustainability, said: “This site in Ledston Luck is home to a variety of beautiful wildlife, and we are extremely proud that it has been granted Local Nature Reserve status by Natural England. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to ensure that Ledston Luck Nature Reserve remains a special place of calm and tranquillity for the wildlife that live there and also for visitors to the site.”

The site is home to 13 species of damsel and dragonflies, including the emperor dragonfly and large red damselfly.

Butterflies can be seen in the hundreds, and last year 6,042 orchid spikes were counted. The woodland, scrub and hedgerows attract birds such as whitethroat, willow tit, siskin. And this year long eared owls nested there.

The site on Ridge Road has seen many improvements in 2016 to visitor access and natural management.

Elspeth Robinson, YWT reserves officer for the Lower Aire Valley, said: “It is fantastic news that this site has been designated a Local Nature Reserve and it reflects the hard work of partners and volunteers in making this an important place for wildlife and people.”

See www.ywt.org.uk for more information.