A65, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley LS29, UK
A former gravel pit site located between the A65 Leeds to Kendal road and the River Wharfe. Some areas undisturbed by the gravel extraction have mature trees present. Elsewhere colonization of the workings has resulted in tree cover, mostly birch and willow approximately 40 years old. There are lagoons in the centre of the site and a number of informal paths, The Dalesway long distance footpath runs throught the site. This site is one of a patchwork of interlinking woods throughout this part of the Wharfe valley which together with the productive agricultural and upland moors help to make up its distinctive landscape character.
Look out for evidence of recently emerged damselflies along the edge of the waterbody. Photograph: Andrew Cutts
Further information can be found here on the site’s dedicated website.