The problems and opportunities which are typical of urban fringe areas predominate in the countryside of South Leeds. Such issues are a locational consequence of an area which is situated between the heavily populated urban concentrations of Leeds, Bradford, Batley, Dewsbury and Wakefield.
The settlement pattern of South Leeds is one which is characterised by an intimate mixture of residential and industrial communities. On the southern fringe of the city are the suburbs of Beeston, Cottingley, Middleton and Stourton. Beyond the city fringe, the two main towns of Morley and Rothwell, together with their associated communities of Churwell, Drighlington, Gildersome, East and West Ardsley, Thorpe, Robin Hood, Lofthouse, Carlton, Woodlesford and Oulton, are dispersed within an area which often consists of little more than "fingers" of countryside.
Mineral and landfill activities have been commonplace within South Leeds for many years. These activities have had an impact upon extensive areas of land. Although considerable reclamation of derelict sites has been undertaken successfully, significant areas are still active or require more substantial restoration.
A particular characteristic of South Leeds is its central location within the major transport corridors which dissect the area. These include the major highway networks of the M1, M62, M621, Dewsbury Road and Leeds Road. The main trans-Pennine and intercity north/south railway routes also intersect the area. Although beneficial in creating a series of "corridors" of some benefit for nature conservation, these transport corridors tend also to fragment areas of countryside and form barriers to wider countryside access.
Agriculture remains an extensive land use within South Leeds and continues to influence the pastoral and arable character of the countryside. Areas of better quality agricultural land exist within South Leeds and are reflected in areas of market gardening and field vegetable production. The agricultural areas of Morley and Rothwell are particularly noted for their rhubarb production.
The intensification of agricultural activities has had an adverse impact upon the landscape through the removal of particular natural features and habitats. Intensification of agriculture within the area is, however, a consequence of the need to remain viable, not only in the face of pressures imposed by the urban fringe location and its attendant problems of land use uncertainty, trespass and damage to crops and livestock, but also through wider changes in agricultural policy and prices which make farming in marginal areas more vulnerable.
Conversely, an alternative response to these pressures is agricultural diversification. Within areas such as South Leeds this may provide an option where agriculture is marginal. In view of the urban fringe pressures experienced, agricultural diversification, whether in the form of setting aside land for recreational activity, horticulture or other uses is likely to be a consequence. The extent and development of such activities have profound implications for the conservation, restoration and enhancement of landscape character within South Leeds in the longer term. Within this context the use of the full range of grant aid initiatives and countryside initiatives (e.g. Countryside Stewardship, Farm Woodland Premium Scheme) will have an important role to play in securing landscape improvements.
A key feature of the South Leeds countryside is its use for recreation. The centres of attention are the major parks at Middleton and Oulton. Middleton Park is largely enclosed by the built-up area. It contains Middleton Woods, the largest single area of Ancient Woodland in Leeds, and Middleton Park itself, with two golf courses, a sports field complex and access to other recreational facilities. In addition to its recreational value, Middleton Woods is of value for its industrial heritage given its association with coal mining and the development of the steam railway. The significance of Middleton Park and Woods as a recreational resource is further enhanced by their proximity to large residential areas with low levels of car ownership and its proximity to the major highway network which further increases its accessibility to a wider public. Oulton Park near Rothwell also provides a range of recreational opportunities in a setting which abuts both residential and countryside areas.
While such assets serve as a focus for recreational activity they, together with other areas of open countryside, suffer from misuse and vandalism. Problems associated with unauthorised activities such as motorbike scrambling, as well as illegal dumping of vehicles and fly-tipping, are particularly common, especially in Middleton Woods. The similar misuse of other areas of smaller woodlands is particularly prevalent in South Leeds. Public access to the countryside is established in South Leeds with a reasonable network of Public Rights of Way. However, given the urban fringe pressures experienced in this area, there are still significant problems associated with public access. These are not only related to trespass and vandalism on agricultural land, but also include conflicts between recreational activities such as walking and the use of private woods for shooting or informal motor bike scrambling meets.
A further land use issue is the demand for land at the urban fringe for allotments and horse-grazing. These demands are particularly an issue in South Leeds where historically settlements have tended to be more densely developed with smaller gardens leading to high demand for these facilities. More recently, South Leeds has become a focus of significant development pressure both for housing and industry, and as a consequence, pressure on urban fringe areas has increased. These demands for development have in some instances been at the expense of land used for allotments or horticulture, causing greater pressure on those areas that remain.
Area Initiatives
Within South Leeds are specific initiatives which address some of the issues highlighted above. They include the development of the Forest of Leeds, the South Leeds Heritage Trail, the Ardsley Project, the Parish Paths Project and Rural Action. Each in their own way provides a vehicle to tackle the issues discussed above, through either general countryside management and community involvement as in the Ardsley Project, or through recreational access proposals as in the South Leeds Heritage Trail, or in the form of wider environmental improvements, and woodland development and management as in the Forest of Leeds initiative.
Management Strategy
The emphasis of countryside management within South Leeds needs to focus upon the desire to balance and reconcile the competing urban demands placed upon the countryside, while meeting the demands of agriculture and seeking to improve areas of environmental degradation.
Recreation
- Maintain and develop initiatives to manage and improve public access to the countryside
- Maintain and develop community initiatives which help to reconcile conflicting recreational land uses.
Landscape
- Recognise the variations in local landscape character via initiatives which balance: Conservation/Restoration, Conservation/Enhancement, Restoration/Enhancement, Enhancement by the creation of new landscape character, in areas of South Leeds in response to landscape change.
Agriculture
- Pursue countryside management initiatives which aim to maintain the viability of agriculture whilst recognising the need for recreation and public access,
- Pursue opportunities for the development of sustainable woodland and in respect of private woodland secure management agreements for sustainable uses where appropriate.