Townclose Hills Local Nature Reserve

Townclose Hills Local Nature Reserve (or Billy Wood as it is known locally) sits upon a knoll of magnesium limestone and is located on the edge of Kippax in south east Leeds. 

From the grassland plateau at the top of the hill are beautiful near-panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.  The mosaic of habitats found here – including limestone grassland, woodlands, meadows, scrub and a woodland glade – supports a wide variety of plant and animal life, and much of the site has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature in recognition of its national importance for conservation.

Townclose Hills is Open Access land, so you are free to explore, but please be careful in the summer when orchids and other uncommon wildflowers are in bloom. Caution is also needed to avoid the large cracks, or ‘grykes’, which often develop in the limestone rock. Paths may be steep in places and the ground uneven or muddy, so wear sturdy shoes and be careful where you walk.  Always dress for the weather and keep children and dogs under supervision at all times. Please clean up after your dog and take all litter home with you so that everyone can enjoy the site and children can play here safely.

There are several footpaths into the site, but the main one runs up from Kippax Leisure Centre car park on Station Road.  A track also runs from the bottom of Westfield Lane up to the northernmost tip of the site, and the Lines Way, which runs all the way from Garforth to Allerton Bywater, runs along the western edge.

Townclose Hills is managed and promoted in partnership with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

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