By John Baron
Plans to form a community group dedicated to supporting Leeds’ smallest nature reserve have taken a step closer to becoming reality.
A public meeting held at Farnley Community Centre this evening (Monday) agreed to form a Friends of Farnley Fish Pond group.
As reported in WLD the neglected pond area has recently undergone a transformation after years of neglect. There are further plans for a new pathway, benches and litter bins.
Meeting chair Councillor Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) said Farnley Fish Pond was a ‘fantastic facility’ and that the Friends group could take part in activities such as litter picking, applying for funds to improve the area, planting and reporting problems, among other things.

Farnley resident and community centre chair Peter Allison raised concerns over disabled access, while others raised concerns about vandalism. WLD yesterday reported on vandalism at the nature reserve, off Butt Lane and Hall Lane.
One attendee said: “We need more community. We need to get the message across to those who are causing vandalism that the community is behind the fish pond and they might just stop it. We need to get young people more involved.”
The meeting was attended by 17 people, and attendees agreed to form a constituted organisation with a bank account and elected chair, treasurer and committee at the next meeting on Monday, 17 February, 6pm at Farnley Community Centre. All welcome to attend.
To get involved with the Friends group, contact peter.allison@farnleycommunitycentre.co.uk, message via Facebook or telephone 0113 460 4702.
- Farsley Fish Pond was created in 1815 by soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars. Despite its name, it’s never had any fish in it apart from in recent years when someone let carp into the water.
- Follow WLD‘s past coverage of Farnley Fish Pond here.
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