By Katherine Turner
Last year saw the restoration of this much-loved local beauty spot, located opposite Farnley Hall Park, almost completed. The last part of the works outstanding was attention to the footpaths and to make the area more accessible.
Contractors are now back on site completing the footpaths and already the area is looking much smarter.
As reported in WLD, the large-scale clean-up was finished in October 2024 where 3,500 tonnes of sediment was removed, new fencing erected and 5,500 plants introduced.
The smallest nature reserve in Leeds had been neglected for many years until contractors, Ebsford Environmental, were tasked by Leeds City Council to complete renovations.
The local community have welcomed the improvements to this beauty spot, describing it as a “better than when work started in the late 1970’s.”
Concerns from local residents that the area could quickly fall back into a state of disrepair, with rubbish strewn and anti-social behaviour led to calls for a Friends group to be created.
This Friends group has now been put together and a Secretary, Treasurer and Chair appointed. Plans have stalled slightly after the last Friends group meeting was unable to take place due to an issue with the meeting venue.
Councillors Adrian McCluskey and Kate Haigh (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) are looking for a resolution to this.
Cllr Adrian McCluskey told WLD: “For the past two weeks Leeds City Council’s Parks Department have been laying a new path around the pond and it looks amazing.
“They have also been resurfacing the vehicle ramp up to Hall Lane. Next week they will start on the pedestrian access points. This will involve repairing the steps from the Hall Lane end to the pond.
“The entrance at Butt Lane to the new path will be replaced, making the site much more accessible, attractive and with no mud! We are still awaiting a date for the new benches and bins, but it really looks so much better and can be used as the amazing community asset it is.”
Now is a great time to get involved and support this community asset, people are being encouraged to visit Farnley Hall Fish Pond and see how wonderful it has become.
If you are interested in joining the group email Cllr Adrian McCluskey (adrian.mccluskey@leeds.gov.uk) or Cllr Kate Haigh (kate.haigh@leeds.gov.uk).
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