Rodley Nature Reserve has been nominated for a top award in BBC Wildlife magazine.
The reserve, which opened on reduced hours for much of last year due to building work on the Moss Swing Bridge which leads to it, is one of four to be nominated by experts as a favourite wildlife spot in Yorkshire and Humberside.
The awards are part of BBC Wildlife‘s 60th birthday celebrations and to celebrate, they asked 60 people from their network of writers, presenters, photographers and conservationists to share their favourite places in the UK for wildlife.
A magazine spokesperson said: “As the nominations flooded in for exquisite forests, lofty hills, shimmering wetlands and windswept shores across the country, we’re reminded that, despite the pummelling nature has taken in recent decades, there are still many corners of the UK where wildlife thrives.
“And now we want to hear what you think. Vote for your favourite, which have been split into regions to make voting easier.”
Pam Taylor, trustee of British Dragonfly Society, said of Rodley Nature Reserve: “Nestled between Horsforth and the River Aire, Rodley is a dragonfly and damselfly hotspot on the edge of the city. At least 18 species have been recorded here, with jewels such as banded demoiselle, emperor and four-spotted chaser
Rodley Nature Reserve is nominated alongside Bempton Cliffs, Hackfall in the Yorkshire Dales, and Goredale Scar near Malham.
Jeremy Knapp, from the Reserve, said: “After the rotten year the reserve has had with the canal bridge closure it’s great to get some good news showing national recognition.”
You can cast your vote – until midnight on 10 March 2023 – here.
Its great that The Rodley nature reserve has been nominated for this award, its already got my vote and I’d encourage others to vote for this extremely valuable facility. The developers of the adjacent housing development, and Leeds City Council have shown total disregard and contempt towards the reserve (and towards Rodley in general) over the last year or so. The Council in particular should be very ashamed, they should be supporting ventures such as the reserve, that provide so many benefits to wildlife and the local community, not working against them.