ROUNDHAY PARK WOODS

Description : This constitutes part of the Roundhay Park Estate and contains eleven separate wooded areas with a wide range of landscapes and their associated benefits.

The entire park comprises of 258 hectares and has been managed by Leeds City Council since 1871, after its purchase from the Nicholson family. It was opened to the public in 1872 by HRH Prince Arthur and a tram line was introduced from the city centre for ease of access to the attraction.

"Future generations will remember us with gratitude as they stroll along the pleasant walks and enjoy the ease and the shade of the trees"
John Barran, Mayor of Leeds, 1868

As well as woodlands, the estate comprises formal gardens, extensive lawned areas, two large lakes, 'Tropical World', Canal Gardens, the castle folly, scented gardens for the blind, national plant collections, golf courses and other tenanted land. The park is also host to regular high profile events and concerts. The original mansion house is managed privately as a conference and banqueting facility.

The variety of the landscapes and attractions allow for a haven for different types of wildlife, with birds such as great–crested grebe, woodpeckers, warblers and herons. The park also supports foxes, roe deer, voles, moles, rabbits and grey squirrels.

This park is well used and well loved asset to the local community and to the public city-wide. A number of local support groups have formed, including the Friends of Roundhay Park and the Roundhay Conservation Society.

Access and facilities : There are numerous pedestrian and vehicle entrances with parking facilities available at Mansion Lane, The Carriage Drive/Park Avenue, Princes Avenue and Wetherby Road. Throughout the site are maintained footpaths, cycleways, a café, toilets, a children's playground, tennis courts, sports pitches, bowling greens and a bandstand.

For further information on Leeds Nature Reserves, please click here.

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