Hollinhurst Wood is a protected nature reserve that is made up of a mix of woodland and grassland habitats. The green space has been designated a ‘site of ecological importance’ due to the extensive variety of plants it has.
Hollinhurst makes up a part of the Lower Aire Valley green corridor and is owned by Leeds City Council and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Location Details
- Hollinhurst Wood, United KingdomGoogle Map Directions
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Things to Note
Hollinhurst Wood has the following on-site or nearby:
- Dog Waste Bins
- Nearby Food & Drink
- Nearby Parking
- Pushchair Access
- Rubbish Bins
Location
Hollinhurst Wood is around 11-hectares in size; it is located next to RSPB St Aidan’s in Allerton Bywater near Leeds in West Yorkshire.
Allerton Bywater is an area that is made up of mainly smaller mining villages including Hollinhurst, Brigshaw and Bowers Row.
Things to Do
Dog Walking
There are various woodland paths under canopy and across the open meadows. It makes for a great dog walking space because you both follow a a trail route and let them off the leash in the open green space.
Biking
The Trans Pennine Trail runs past the end of Wood Lane and Queen Street at the southern end of the woods. This section of the trail goes westerly next to the River Aire all the way to Leeds and is around 9-miles in length.
Flora
Hollinhurst Wood is made up of hardwood trees including oak, birch, walnut, hazel, wych elm, guelder rose, crab apple and field maple.
On the pathways you will see a mix of wildflowers and shrubs that bring colour and vibrancy to the woodland; these are bluebells, lady smock, foxglove, snowdrops and daffodils.
During drier summer conditions you will see sheep’s sorrel, sheep’s fescue, harebell and tormentil. Across the meadow you will spot devil’s-bit, meadowsweet and wild angelica.
Fauna
The woodland area is home to deer and new-born fawns. You’ll have to look carefully to see their spotted coat that helps camouflage them. The woods and hedgerows are home to a range of birds. The great spotted woodpecker and treecreepers are commonly seen.
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History
Hollinhurst Wood is located next to RSPB St Aidan’s and is around 11-hectares in size. The name Hollinhurst comes from the word ‘hollin’ meaning holly trees. Hollies were planted as feed for winter livestock.
In medieval times the meadow area was ploughed and tended to to grow food. The muscular oxen was the engine to the plough. Typically you can see the broad undulating ridges left like scars on the land. People also tried to extract coal in the past from the land – the small craters visible in the area are evidence of this.
In 1988 the nearby area was catastrophically flooded after the River Aire burst its banks and thousands of gallons of water poured into the RSPB St Aidan’s area.
Amenities
The nearest toilet is a 10-minute walk away at the New Inn pub in Preston.
There are rubbish and dog waste bins in and around Hollinhurst Wood.
Food and Drink
The best place to eat and drink near Hollinhurst Woods is off Leeds Road in Allerton Bywater. The Victoria Hotel on Main Street has cask ales, great food and live sport.
Parking
Park for free in the lay by on Wood Lane, LS26 8AP (Google Map Directions)
Access
Hollinhurst Wood is not suitable for wheelchair users. When there’s rain the main paths get muddy and become difficult to walk on.
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