ECCUP WHIN WOOD & LINEHAM FARM

Description : Eccup Whin was formerly used as a tip by Yorkshire Water for material from Eccup Reservoir (ceased in 1983), this scrubland area now consists mainly of a birch and willow canopy, with blackberry, gorse and raspberry providing the understorey.

This is a predominantly deciduous woodland with areas of grassland, remnant carr and regenerating birch scrubland. Management is aimed at maintaining the woodland for bio-diversity and areas of scrub, ponds, wetlands and open glades. Information boards explain the value of the site for wildlife.

Parts of the area retain their carr-like nature which consist of small shallow pools with rushes. The whole area is surrounded by a narrow fringe of mature birch woodland, which also incorporates a few oak, beech and sycamore trees.

The area is of particular importance in the spring and summer months when it is extensively used by migratory birds, both as a temporary refuelling site and a breeding territory. The site also holds some extensive areas of vetch plant species and this along with other associated fauna supports good sized breeding colonies of butterflies.

Other wildlife present within the area include around 70 species of bird (such as warblers, tree pipits and woodcocks), 19 mammals (including water shrews and roe deer) and common frogs and toads.

This site forms part of an important wildlife corridor which links two SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), being Eccup Reservoir and Breary Marsh.

Lineham Farm Children's Activity Centre, which is a registered charity is sheltered by the Lineham Farm Woodlands. The Trustees occupy Lineham Farm and use the woodlands for a variety of environmental activities as part of an agreement with Leeds City Council. A project to develop a new wetland area is currently in progress, in partnership with the Wild Fowl and Wetlands Trust. The patron of the Wetland Project, David Bellamy, attended the launch of this project in the spring of 1999.

The plantation contains European larch, sitka spruce and sycamore which are sited around areas of mixed broad-leaved, semi-natural woodland. The area was planted in the late 1950s by the then local water board.

Access and facilities : There are no official public rights of access to Eccup Whin but a footpath runs just outside the site on its west side.

Desire line paths run throughout and access is off Black Hill Lane and Swan Lane.

Access to the Lineham Farm woodlands is by special arrangement with the woodlands officer only.

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