Letchmire Pastures in Allerton Bywater is a mosaic of wetland, bare earth and grassland habitats that have developed on a former coal-stocking area, covering 13 hectares. Located on low-lying land near to the River Aire the site has subsided following past mining activity resulting in a number of small, shallow ings (pools of water that form when rivers flood.) Recent landscaping has enhanced some of these wetland features so that today a number of ponds of different sizes and depths can be seen.
During the spring and summer the ponds are alive with damselflies and dragonflies. Brown and common hawkers are joined by darters, skimmers and chasers - constantly moving back and forth across the ponds defending their territories and skilfully seeking out prey from the air. Frogs and toads are also present - the latter able to tolerate the fish that live alongside them in some of the ponds.
The damp grassland and muddy margins around the ponds is rich in invertebrates which are particularly valuable for birds such as lapwings and common snipe (and occasionally jack snipe in the late autumn). Such ground-nesting birds are also attracted to the site because of the open conditions between the ponds. This enables them to see predators easily - it is especially important not to walk across this area or allow dogs off their leads onto this area during the spring and summer when they may be mating or looking after their young.
In between these wetland areas the underlying soil is fairly acidic and creates areas of dark, bare earth that warms up in the summer, creating special conditions for unusual plants and also burrowing insects such as beetles, wasps and bees.
The grassland areas support some rare plant species and provide a feast of colour during spring and summer. Uncommon insects such as the brown argus butterfly can be seen seeking out wildflowers such as crane's-bill and stork's-bill in the summer.
Getting involved
Regular conservation volunteer activities take place at Letchmire Pastures – if you would like to be involved, please send an email using the link to the right of this page.
Accessibility
There are A-frames at the main entrance to the site, and level paths around the reserve (with one short slope).
Getting there
This site is accessible by public transport – please see the Metro website for directions and routes. The nearest bus stop is on Station Road, Allerton Bywater, near to Station Terrace.
Car parking is very limited at this site and visitors are asked not to block the main vehicle barrier at the entrance.
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.