About Us

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 decomissioned 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. 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.

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.

To view the Rodley Nature Reserve Data Protection Policy please follow this link