Leeds Central Wildlife

[somme1916]

Chrism wrote: Spackler wrote: Is the escaped Black Swan still around (near to train station)? Escaped? Surely they are free to fly wherever they like. Mebbe not....the last black swan I saw was "tethered" to a metal sign ! tee hee.....

[majorhoundii]

I've seen red kites over Eccup Resevoir but I don't suppose that counts as Central Leeds. I've seen foxes in the near the centre of Morley.

[Tyke]

Ive seen the Red Kites over the Irish Centre and thats pretty close.

[Tyke]

If this thread is getting anyone interested in bird watching I can recommend The Swillington Ings Bird Group, its just outside Leeds and a 15 minute walk from Woodlesford station. The area gets lots of different kinds species and some of the rarer ones inc Bitterns.The sittings page is kept up to date.http://sibg1.wordpress.com/about/    

[majorhoundii]

Tyke wrote: If this thread is getting anyone interested in bird watching I can recommend The Swillington Ings Bird Group, its just outside Leeds and a 15 minute walk from Woodlesford station. The area gets lots of different kinds species and some of the rarer ones inc Bitterns.The sittings page is kept up to date.http://sibg1.wordpress.com/about/     Also Fairburn Ings, which is just over the Leeds border, I once saw whooper Swans there

[book]

The Swillington Ings are easy to cycle to along the canal tow path from Leeds city centre. About 5 mile ride and flat.

[Jogon]

bookI've never been to Swill Ings (where is it?)         

[raveydavey]

Jogon wrote: No points for rats am afraid.Sad to hear also of Mink, they clear whole areas.     I wonder if these are the same Mink that were released in the Calder Valley by animal rights protesters a good few years ago, which predictably went on to eradicate most of the indigenous wildlife in the area....I'll bet the irony of that was lost on the self righteous fools who let them out... Tyke wrote: Ive seen the Red Kites over the Irish Centre and thats pretty close. I've seen them over York Road quite close to the city centre too. Presumably the pair that have reportedly set up home on top of one of the Gipton tower blocks.

[book]

Jogon wrote: bookI've never been to Swill Ings (where is it?) but know + love the cycle route from Cookridge/ Lawnswood. V nice too.1- Straight down Otley road (or, perhaps better:-)2- Spen Lane>Kirkstall MorrisonsJoin towpath at Wyther Ln>Leeds Centre>Royal Armr'y>Transpennine Trail>Woodlesford Bridge[at this point I go Bullerthorpe Ln>Temple N>Selby Rd>H'hills Ln>King Ln>home+crawl into bed+(try to) sleep "the sleep of the righteous"Proverbs 3:21-24My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. When you arrive at Woodlesford go straight over the road and keep following the canal towards Methley, you will see paths on your left, take any of them over to various Ings. They are only a short way from the canal but are spread out, wetlands and shallow areas of water. They are not one big habitat like Fairburn. When you return to the road you will turn right towards Bullerthorpe Lane over the bridge. Here endeth the sermon (way off Leeds Central Wildlife). And yet these green corridors allow movement of nature right into the heart of Leeds.     

[book]

Or instead of turning right onto Bullerthorpe Lane carry on towards Swillington. Turn right onto a lane with a Fishing Sign on it. There is more water down that lane. It is ok to cycle down there and will eventually bring you onto other cycle routes towards Allerton Bywater, Garforth, Kippax. You can turn back or take Whitehouse Lane back towards Swillington.