Chris-Leeds said:
Hi Graham and Keith, how do you get access to Leventhorpe? When I've cycled past the vineyard the road that leads to Leventhorpe looks to be private with no public access.
Chris.
You don't! Leventhorpe Hall and all its grounds are, it seems, very strictly private. The only views possible of Leventhorpe are from a raised platform on the north side of the canal, south side of the river at Woodlesford Lock, from which you can see most of the lake. Due to an ongoing dispute you will notice that the woman who owns the land has responded to the platform by erecting a fence to block viewing of the flood meadow. I haven't dared ask more!? (Access to Woodlesford Lock by car via Pottery Lane, or along the canal on a bike, obviously - To find the platform, cross the lock and head for the corner under the trees ahead of you and to your right - There's a New Swillington Ings Bird Group notice board nearby)
To be honest, the lack of close access to a lot of the recording area is frustrating. You do need a scope to see a lot of the area, but when you look at the species list the popularity and reason for persistence is obvious. By 9AM today I had Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, numerous Pintail, Curlew, Snipe etc.. Not many places on the outskirts of Leeds you can see raptors, waders and wildfowl like you can down there. (And Marcus, I promise I'll be in Rodley next Wednesday!!)
BTW - It was very cheery and friendly in the Astley Lake hide this morning. Promise! And the Egret came back this afternoon after I had left - good luck to anyone that goes to see it - apparently when it was on St Aidan's yesterday it was well viewed from the Great Preston side near the dragline.
Wonder what's going on with the finches in Golden Acre Park, Keith? Is there a feeding area? Could it be trichomoniasis?
Graham