By Damon Cooper
A West Leeds wildlife sanctuary will be back open to the public on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am till 4pm every week from today.
Rodley Nature Reserve was initially completely closed due to the work, only to later open one day a week last year – with footfall dramatically dwindling due to delays replacing a swing bridge over the canal which connects the reserve directly to Rodley high street.
Although the bridge still isn’t fully operational, the reserve has announced its extended opening.
Upcoming events include a RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (28 and 29 January, 11am to 3pm both days) to count birds in the managers garden and bee garden.
For National Nest Box Week (19 February, 11am to 2pm), people are invited to build a nest for baby birds. However, a limited amount of bird box building kits are available so get in touch with the Nature Reserve to avoid disappointment and secure your place.
You can call the reserve on 0113 2040441 or e-mail events@rodleynaturereserve.org.
An important flyway for migrating birds, recents sightings have included a Water Rail, Redwings, Teal, Kingfisher and Goldcrest in locations throughout the diverse nature reserve featuring a lagoon, duck marsh, wet grassland and much more.
You can find out more via their website.
A decision on a detailed planning application for the proposed 66 houses on the adjacent Airedale Mills site, which will be served by the new swing bridge, is due to be made by councillors later this month.