Owl Wood

Owl Wood is a forest situated nearby to the neighbourhoods Hollinhurst and Bowers Row – part of the cluster of villages that make up Allerton Bywater, a semi-rural village area located south-east of the city of Leeds on the edge of the metropolitan borough.

Go Tree-spotting

The woodland is home to lots of different tree species, that makes Owl Wood and Pit Plantation a great area to go tree-spotting. You will see lots of oak, silver birch and sycamore trees.

Flora

There is a wide range of seasonal flora growing throughout the year in Owl Wood. Some of the most beautiful periods are in early spring time when the bluebells and snowdrops come out.

Walking Trails

The woodland has walking trails zig-zagging throughout the green space. These trails are numerous and connect with one another. For a more plotted way you can join the lines way – a disused railway line turned walking route that passes close by to Owl Wood.

Bat Watching

Arrive at Owl Wood in spring and summer at dawn or dusk and you may see bats flying in and around the woodland. Species including the common pipistrelle, myotis, noctule and even a brown long-eared bat have been spotted in the woods.

Bird Watching

In autumn and winter the woodland becomes a place for wintering birds. Birds like a song thrush may be heard and the timid tawny owl might be seen.

Owl Wood and Pit Plantation is partly owned and managed by Leeds City Council and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The wood gradually came into existence at the end of the 18th century through purposeful plantation.

It is classed as a naturally regenerating woodland, meaning it has gradually spread and become denser over time.

If you look closely over the woodland floor and you will notice the scars of the bell pits – a circular dip. These pits were the primitive way of mining coal from the surface.

The nearest public toilet is a 15-minute away at the New Inn pub.

There are rubbish bins in the area.

Woodend Traditional Fish & Chips is a 10-minute walk into the centre of Allerton Bywater. A great chippy with fantastic customer service!

On the edge of Owl Wood is a small layby that can fit a couple of cars. Head to WF10 2AQ (Google Map Directions)

Owl Plantation is all trail under foot making it unpredictable for accessibility of those using wheel and pushchairs. The weather will dictate the state of the trail paths.