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Help bring natives back to Rodley’s canalside wood

10th Nov 2011

Volunteers are needed to sow the seeds for a greener, wilder Leeds by helping to add native tree species to a wood sandwiched between the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the River Aire.

They will be helping to develop the biodiversity of the site, on a former dredging tip in Rodley, by planting native trees. The work will begin on Friday 18 November and will include planting rowan, hazel, beech, holly, silver birch, common oak, crab apple, hornbeam and disease-resistant elm. Increasing the variety of tree species in the woods will provide a range of habitats and should draw more types of birds, bees and insects to the area.

The volunteers will also be tackling overgrown vegetation along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath and removing litter.

Haven for nature

The works form part of the ‘Rooting for Rodley’ project which is being organised by Aire Action Leeds, a partnership working together to create better waterways for people and wildlife. They are asking local people to get involved and help with the tree-planting.

Rachel Clunas, Aire Action Leeds project officer, said: “Woodlands really thrive when they have a variety of plant species with different canopy heights. This project will help to create a real haven for wildlife, and enhance the fantastic Rodley Nature Reserve nearby, and the green corridor that runs along the river and canal in Leeds. We’re particularly keen to see local people take the opportunity to get to know their local area a little better and work together to improve it”.

Anyone who wants to take part can contact Rachel Clunas on 0113 281 6804, or 07917 780 151 or by e-mailing rachel.clunas@aireactionleeds.org.uk.

Ecologists from British Waterways have helped to organise the project, and volunteers from Giles Insurance Brokers and British Waterways Volunteer Rangers are also working on it. It is funded by The Waterways Trust’s Small Grant Scheme.

Last updated: 10/11/2011

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