© Simon Conyers Gledhow Valley Woods
The Woods
A ribbon of ancient woodland and grassland running 1.5 km through north Leeds — home to 115 species of birds, 186 species of plants, 74 species of fungi, and 14 species of butterflies.
A woodland in the city
Gledhow Valley Woods occupies a glacially formed valley carved by meltwater during the last ice age. Its steep, wooded sides and the stream at its floor — Gledhow Beck — give it a naturally secluded character that makes it a remarkable urban nature reserve in the heart of north Leeds.
The 57-acre site is designated as a Conservation Area and is part of the wider Gledhow Valley Conservation Area, designated by Leeds City Council in December 2006. The valley contains significant listed buildings including the Grade II* Gledhow Hall and the Grade II Gipton Spa Bath House (1671).
The woods were given to Leeds Corporation in 1944 by the Hon. Hilda Kitson, ensuring their permanent protection as a public open space.
© Simon Conyers Explore further
About the Woods
The valley, its ecology, and what makes Gledhow Valley Woods special.
Read more →Projects & Improvements
Current and past conservation and improvement projects.
Read more →History of the Woods
How the woods came to be — from the glacial age to the present day.
Read more →Gledhow Valley Road
A detailed historical record of the road opened in 1926.
Read more →Flora & Fauna
The remarkable diversity of wildlife in this urban nature reserve.
Read more →Beck Pasture
A tranquil meadow alongside Gledhow Beck within the valley.
Read more →