Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits

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Quick description

What’s there?

Part of an area of former gravel workings located on the outskirts of Ilkley between the A65 (Countances Way) and the River Wharfe.

The site has a variety of habitats, including unimproved marshy grasslands supporting a large number of marsh orchids in the summer. There is also a lagoon and a large stretch of riverbank, which are good spots for many species, including kingfishers and otters. Some areas undisturbed by gravel extraction have mature trees, mainly willow, sycamore and wych elm, which create a home for the rare white-letter hairstreak butterfly.

The woodlands host a large area of wild garlic in the spring. Elsewhere there has been colonization by alder, hazel, ash, hawthorns and bramble, which are carefully managed to keep the site open for flowering plants.

Fishing

If you are interested in fishing the lagoon then please contact Ilkley Anglers who own the fishing rights. Only their members are allowed to fish.

For more information, visit: https://ilkleyanglingassociation.co.uk/

History

The site was formerly composed of gravel pits, the gravels of which were of good quality and supplied the local construction industry. In the 1970s, the pits ceased operation, and the lagoons flooded. At this point, ownership reverted to Ilkley District Council, who filled them in. The infill material originated from across the district and included building rubble (including the former Bridge Street railway bridge, parts of which can be seen at the edge of the lagoon), as well as soil, treated sewage residues, and plants and soils from parks, gardens, and building sites, adding to the site’s biodiversity.

Natural history

Botanic and animal diversity

For many years the Wharfedale Naturalists Society have documented the site, and it has attained considerable botanic diversity despite its artificial origins. In June 1997 and then May 2003, CBMDC assigned the West Yorkshire Ecological Advisory Service, now West Yorkshire Ecology, to conduct a survey of the area. With 300+ plant species present and a variety of habitats boosting good animal diversity, the site was declared a Site of Ecological or Geological Importance (SEGI). This recognizes its regional significance and safeguards it from construction.

Find out more about the Wharfedale Naturalists’’ Society: https://www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk/

Habitats and species

The Wharfedale Naturalists Society has specialist recorders for Birds, Butterflies, Mammals and Plants. Members record what they have seen over a year and all the information is collated and a summary published in the annual review.

Find out more about the animals and species recorded here:

http://www.benrhydding-naturereserve.org/habitats-species-2/

Local Nature reserve

In October 2013 working with the support of Natural England, the site was declared a Local Nature Reserve.

Find out more about protected sites across the Bradford District:

https://www.bradford.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/protected-sites/

Resources

Website:

http://www.benrhydding-naturereserve.org/

Facebook page:

https://en-gb.facebook.com/benrhyddingnature/

Tripadvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g528758-d10783837-Reviews-Ben_Rhydding_Gravel_Pits_Nature_Reserve-Ilkley_West_Yorkshire_England.html

Wharfedale Naturalists’ Society

https://www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk/

Protected sites in the Bradford District

https://www.bradford.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/protected-sites/