By Diane Sullivan
There was a real buzz in the air when Bob Eckersley came into Rodley Nature Reserve’s Visitor Centre for his usual warm drink along with friends, photographer Sue Taylor and birdwatcher Jenny Nelson.
Fellow birdwatcher John Cooper had set the scene for Bob’s arrival when the WLD paid an unexpected visit to the Reserve on Wednesday morning.
Bob, a local celebrity at the Reserve, raised £1,500 for Children in Need for completing a Birdwatch Challenge of spotting 150 different species of birds in the UK in October 2024.
Naturally some of these sightings were made at Rodley Nature Reserve. A keen birdwatcher for over 43 years Bob can usually be found at the Reserve on a Wednesday and Saturday morning and is always willing to help others and share his experience.
There is no shortage of talent amongst the volunteers at Rodley Nature Reserve.
John Cooper is a volunteer birdwatcher, moth trapper and also turns his hand to baking cakes for the Visitor Centre. Caroline Kitson started as a habitat maintenance volunteer in 2016 and now enjoys her role in the visitor centre welcoming visitors and making everyone feel at home.
The visitor centre is trimmed up for Christmas and the decorations which are the work of Janet reflect the natural beauty of the reserve. The Angel of Rodley Nature Reserve takes pride of place at the Visitor Centre entrance and was made by volunteers using willow from the Reserve.
Claire has volunteered for about 13 years and enjoys serving her homemade cakes – Claire tells others: “It is just a lovely place to come – and it is so calming.”
Margaret describes herself as one of the regular cake makers and likes the fact that “it is just a friendly place and everyone shares information”.
Visitors are assured of a very warm welcome even on the coldest of December mornings, by lunch time on Wednesday morning about 50 visitors had called in for a chat a warming drink and homemade cake – there is lots of cake!
The Reserve, a registered charity, is run entirely by volunteers – there are over 100 at present. A 2025 calendar capturing some beautiful photos taken on the Reserve is available for £6.50 – and would make an ideal Christmas present.
Winter opening hours (weather permitting)
Assistance dogs only.
- Reserve -Wednesday Saturday and Sunday 9am–5pm.
- Open Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
- Visitor Centre 10am–3.30pm.
- Telephone on open days 0113 2040441.
- www.rodleynaturereserve.org.
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Thanks for this lovely article about the people of Rodley Nature Reserve. Just a note about closing time: The Reserve closes at 4 pm in winter. Don’t get locked in!