Middleton Park

Description

Middleton Park is situated 4 miles from the city centre in urban south Leeds. Of its 630 acres, 200 are ancient woodland and a designated nature reserve. There is also grass land, a golf course and recreational areas.

Middleton Woods Nature Reserve is the largest ancient woodland in Leeds and has been continuously wooded since at least 1600. Oak dominates the mixed woodland which together with streams and ponds, provide a refuge for numerous mammals, birds and amphibians.

Many species of insects and fungi can be found in the woods together with a profusion of wildflowers including bluebells and the less common yellow archangel.

As well as its rich natural history, Middleton also has a fascinating local history including coal mining and the Middleton Railway. The bowl-shaped pits found in the woods are the remains of an early form of coal mining dating back to before 1300