Ledsham Bank Nature Reserve is one of the richest biodiversity’s for wildflowers in Leeds.
The protected grassland explodes with colour through the mid-summer months.
Location Details
- Ledsham Bank Nature Reserve, Holyrood Ln, Ledsham, Leeds LS25 5LLGoogle Map Directions
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Things to Note
Ledsham Bank Nature Reserve has the following on-site or nearby:
- Dog Waste Bins
- Nearby Food & Drink
- Nearby Parking
- Nearby Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
Location
Ledsham is a tiny village 11-miles east of the centre of Leeds.
Things to Do
Bird Watching
The hedgerows surrounding the nature reserve are havens for nesting birds. If you’re on the look out to spot birds then it is worth a visit to Ledsham Bank. There have been 57 species of birds recorded in area via Landscape Britain. These include the Little Owl and Nuthatch, Redwing, Fieldfare and Siskin.
Flora
The reserve is temporarily transformed particularly in the summer months of June and July. The kaleidoscope of colours are generated by wild flowers of the rarer variety including fragrant, pyramidal and common spotted orchids, yuellow wort and bright yellow dyer’s greenweed – which is rare in Yorkshire!
Fauna
The nature reserve is a popular place for butterflies to congregate. During the summer months different butterflies including a small and large skipper, holly blue and commas have been seen.
As the wildlife dies down for the winter, the grazing cattle move in to help preserve the grasslands. Conservation grazing is an essential element of meadow management as it removes the dead grass and helps churn the earth allowing new seeds to grow.
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History
Between the 1930s and 1980s, 97% of lowland meadows in England and Wales have been lost. This is an area the equivalent size of Bradford.
In recent decades the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have acquired a number of protected grassland meadows in the county; with the aim of restoring the rich pollinator species of wildflowers.
Amenities
The nearest public toilet is a 5-minute walk away at the Chequers Inn pub.
There are rubbish and dog waste bins on-site at the nature reserve.
Food and Drink
The Chequers Inn in Ledsham is one of the best choices for some food and drink after a visit to the nature reserve.
This family-run antique pub serves traditional English pub grub, with locally brewed ales on tap.
Parking
Opposite Ledsham Bank Nature Reserve is a parking layby for up to 5-cars, head to LS25 5LL (Google Map Directions)
Access
Access to the reserve is via a field. In poor weather the reserve is not accessible by wheelchair and pushchair users.
You must keep your dog on the leash at all times when visiting Ledsham Bank Nature Reserve.
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