About Rodley Nature Reserve
Situated just four miles from the centre of Leeds, Rodley Nature Reserve is different to most wetland reserves in that the wetlands were all dug out from scratch from rough grassland close to the River Aire.
When Yorkshire Water plc decommissioned the Rodley Water Treatment Works in 1993 it was with a wish that their land should be developed as a nature reserve.
The land is situated in the Aire valley, an important flyway for migrating birds.
Rodley Nature Reserve Trust is a registered charity run by a board of trustees.
For Reserve opening hours please refer to EXPLORE, Plan Your Visit page.
The Trust's Objectives are
The care and management of the land as a nature reserve by habitat management for wildlife, in particular the wildlife of wetland habitats and the education of the public in the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of wildlife.
Our Volunteers and Support
There are no paid staff at Rodley. Volunteers work on habitat management, the manning of the Visitor Centre and looking after school and other visits. Managing such a large area requires a good deal of manpower and money and we are grateful to the generosity of the public, the fundraising activities of the Friends of Rodley Nature Reserve and the income generated from our participation in the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, one of the government’s agri-environment schemes, which collectively enable us to maintain and continue to improve this beautiful green space for people and wildlife alike. We are also grateful for the continuing support of Yorkshire Water PLC who own the land.
Numbers from the Reserve
The number of species of moth recorded on the Reserve.
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The number of school children who enjoyed the Rodley experience last year.
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The number of bird species recorded on the reserve to date.
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Our Timeline
The Beginning
Yorkshire Water PLC decommission the water treatment works at Rodley.
Charitable Status
Rodley Nature Reserve registered as a charity and a 60 year lease with Yorkshire Water plc finalised on the same date.
Excavation
Work commenced on digging out the four main wetland areas.
Open Day
First open day for visitors is held.
Open to the Public
The reserve opens to the public on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer months.
Official Opening
Michael Meacher, Minister for the Environment, officially opens the Reserve.
Friends
The Friends of Rodley Nature Reserve is established.
Dragonfly Ponds
The first Dragonfly Ponds dug and shaped.
Accessible Hide
Wet Grassland Hide and ramp constructed.
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Education Pond
Education Pond used by a school group for the first time.
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Arson Attack
Two hides on the Willow Path destroyed by vandals in an arson attack.
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The Mike Sheldon Hide
A new hide – the Mike Sheldon Hide – constructed overlooking the Lagoon with a wheelchair friendly ramp.
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New Hides
Two new steel hides installed on the Willow Path to replace those destroyed in September 2009.
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Higher Level Stewardship Scheme
The reserve is admitted to the government’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.
Further Development
Extension to Visitor Centre completed. Second dipping pond completed but kept closed throughout the year to allow it to establish.
Refurbishment and Accessible Ramp
Wheelchair ramp to the picnic area constructed. Major refurbishment of kitchen area in the Visitor Centre.
Sand Martin Bank
Sand Martin Bank Project completed on Lagoon.
Gazebo
Thatched gazebo constructed.
Poplar Field and Poplar Carr
The Poplar Field and Poplar Carr are added to the land managed by the Reserve.
Boxing Day Floods
The Boxing Day Flood. Following 24 hours of continuous rain the river burst its banks, flooding much of the Reserve. Hedges were ripped out and the Dragonfly Ponds and Education Pond badly damaged. Thanks to an army of volunteers the Reserve was able to re-open on 6th January.
New Hides Open
The new purpose built Lagoon and Reedbed Hides are opened to the public.
Rodley Robins
Rodley Robins – the new Saturday morning club for children holds its inaugural meeting.
Mouse Release
Harvest Mouse Release Programme – a new release site is prepared on the Scrubland and the first release of 63 mice takes place.
Countryfile Magazine Award
The Reserve is announced as winner of the BBC Countryfile Magazine Nature Reserve of the Year Award for 2018
Manager's Garden Hide
Official opening of the new Manager’s Garden Hide by Councillor David Blackburn on behalf of Green Leeds Ltd.
Good Access Award
The Reserve is awarded Open Country’s Good Access Award for 2018 for making the Reserve so accessible for visitors with disability.
Landscape Stewardship Award
Landscape Stewardship Award presented at Leeds Architectural Awards ceremony.
Wildflower Meadow
Poplar Field Wildflower Meadow established.
Coronavirus
Reserve in full lockdown 24 March 2020. Restricted opening only to open areas plus social distancing from 21 March 2021. Normal opening returns 26 June 2021
Barn Owl Monitor
Visitors are able to watch live images from the Barn Owl nest box on the Scrubland on a monitor in the Visitor Centre for the first time.
Redevelopment of Duck Marsh
Despite the Reserve’s closure work starts on a major redevelopment of the Duck Marsh on 8th March and finishes on 26th March.
New Access Bridge
New access bridge across the Leeds and Liverpool Canal opened
BBC Wildlife Magazine
BBC Wildlife Magazine’s poll voted the Reserve as the favourite wildlife spot in Yorkshire and Humberside.
New Disabled Parking
Addition to lease allows new DA parking to be constructed.