Where can you walk with children or grandchildern during tier 3 lockdown? We tried Kirkstall Valley one of Leeds best kept and free secrets.
Very few people are aware of this interesting and substantial area of open space so close to the city centre. Walking around you can see well cared for nature trails and trains close up on the Leeds – Skipton railway, an old electricity power station now part of the grid and other examples of local industrial heritage.
Kirkstall Valley is currently experiencing a higher level of visitors and an increased amount of litter so the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust urge everyone to ‘follow the love and look after the area’ – take all your litter home.
Bird Life
Mallards and tuffted ducks appreciate the river banks and many common birds are resident most of the year round including ‘Kingfishers, Treecreepers, Sparrows, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Wrens, Robins and Dunnocks. Sparrowhawks and Kestrels. We spotted a Heron flying above the river looking for a fish supper.
‘Down the stream the swans all glide
It’s quite the nicest way to ride
Their feet get wet their tummies wetter
I think after all the bus is better’
Spike Milligan
We’d