As the largest remaining ancient woodland site in West Yorkshire, Middleton Woods Nature Reserve is of special importance for nature conservation in Leeds. The site consists of two large blocks of woodland, namely Middleton Wood and Park Wood.
Over thousands of years, Britain's woodland was cleared to leave the scattered fragments we have today. Although some areas have been replanted, it is relic ancient woodland that is often especially valuable for wildlife. Ancient woodland often contains species of plant rarely found in replanted areas, such as figwort and remote sedge, both of which can be found in Middleton Woods. But it is undoubtedly commoner species such as bluebells which carpet much of the woodland floor, and that draw so many people to the woods in spring.
Although oak is the dominant woodland tree, the woods contain a variety of tree species including birch, beech and sweet chestnut, the latter notable for the way its trunk twists to give a corkscrew-effect as it ages. But it is not just living trees that are important - old, dying and dead trees, rotting, fallen timber and decomposing leaves all provide shelter and food for a wealth of species such as woodlice, spiders, millipedes, beetles and fungi. These in turn are food for many other creatures including mammals, such as bats, and birds, like the treecreeper. The woodland edge is important for sun loving wildflowers and shrubs.
Besides its wealth of wildlife, Middleton Woods has many historical and archaeological features, including bell pits, from early coal mining, and the former routes taken by trams.
Information to download
Click on the links to the right for a map of Middleton Woods and Middleton Park, and a poem inspired by the largest beech tree on the site! (Sadly, the Monarch of the Woods was blown over in the blustering winds of early 2007!)
Access to the site
This site is accessible by public transport – please see the public transport link to the right for routes and directions.
There is a car park in Middleton Park near the Lakeside Centre, accessible via the main park entrance off Town Street, Middleton.
Getting involved
Middleton Park has an active Friends of group - please click on the link to the right to get to their website.
Please note that the Parks and Countryside's Head Office main reception telephone number 0113 3957400 is staffed from 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am - 4.00pm on a Friday. Outside of these hours you can leave a message on the answerphone.