SIBG Recording Area
Astley Lake Hide
The hide is the focal point for the Group, it is situated at the end of FLEET LANE, approximately one mile from the A642 in OULTON. It overlooks Astley Lake and gives longer distance views across St Aidan’s. Birds most likely to be seen are wildfowl, waders and raptors. Marsh harrier, buzzard and Hobby have been regular in recent years. Scarce waders such as Turnstone, Sanderling, Godwits, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Temminck’s Stint have been recorded here. Other notable birds seen are Little and Great Egret, Spoonbill, Lesser Scaup, and Ring-necked Duck. Parking is courtesy of Bayford’s Oil Depot so please park tidily at the end of the car park nearest to the hide. Grid Ref. SE 381 284
Lemonroyd Marina/Filter Beds
A mixed area of scrub, plantation, mature trees and meadow with Yorkshire Water filter beds adjacent. The filter beds have been very reliable for Water Pipit over the years but this has been scarce for the last couple of years. Park at Astley hide and walk back on Fleet Lane for 500 yds or park at the Marina Grid Ref. SE 381 279
Woodlesford Lock/Leventhorpe Flood Meadows
A nice 2 mile round walk between Woodlesford Lock and Fishponds Lock, good for warblers. Park at Woodlesford Lock SE 367 249 off A642 at Woodlesford, walk West on either side of the canal to Fishponds Lock. Glossy Ibis, Marsh Sandpiper and Spoonbill have been recorded on the flood meadows.
Skelton
Skelton Lake
No longer any easy vehicle access to this site. Park at Woodlesford Lock, walk west for 1.2 miles and view lake across the river from the canal bank. Foot access is possible from Pontefract Lane at SE353 310 but parking is difficult. Pontefract Lane is closed to through traffic at the Eastern end by the Biffa waste disposal tip, vehicular access is only available from junction 45 of the M1. Good for waterbirds, gulls and waders. Little, Great-crested, Red-necked, Slavonian, Black-necked and Pied-billed Grebes have all been recorded here.
Temple Newsam Woods
Access off Bullerthorpe Lane ¾ mile south of Sainbury’s on A63. All woodland species including the three woodpeckers are possible. Park at SE 375 317
St Aidan’s Restoration
Currently no access to site but good views can be obtained from along the river bank between Methley Bridge and Caroline Bridge. Good for waterfowl, waders and farmland birds. Access SE from hide along river bank for approx ¾ mile or park in Methley and cross river using either of the above bridges. View from SE 394 276.
Lowther Lake
A reed fringed fishing lake supporting mostly wildfowl but also good for warblers, particularly Reed Warbler, Red-throated and Black-throated Divers have also been seen here. Access from the hide by walking c 1.7 miles eastwards miles on the north bank of the river or by parking on Astley Lane at the junction with Wood Lane (Grid Ref. SE 400 287) and follow bridleway south for c 500yds.
Other SIBG Site information
Plantation Identities
FLEET Plantation – 400 yds upstream of hide and next to river
LEMONROYD Plantation – Off Fleet Lane between railway and canal bridges on west side of road. Birders are advised to be accompanied here.
SEWAGE Plantation – New, small plant next to Lemonroyd filter beds.
FLEET LANE Plantation – Half way along Fleet Lane north of road between football ground and farm.
FOOTBALL Plantation – Off Fleet Lane between football ground and railway.
ESHALD Plantation – Between Eshald Lane and football ground.
List of Site Location Terms used in SIBG Area. CLICK HERE FOR .pdf FILE
Site Grid References
ASTLEY LAKE HIDE…………………….. SE 381 284
SKELTON LAKE (ACCESS) ……………SE 347 307
SKELTON PONDS ……………………….SE 353 307
LEVENTHORPE FLOOD MEADOW ……SE 367 295
TEMPLENEWSAM WOODS (Pond)…..SE 369 317
LEMONROYD MARINA…………………. SE 381 279
LEMONROYD FILTER BEDS (View) ….SE 377 280
RIVERSIDE PLANTATION…………………SE 377 288
FLEET LANE PLANTATION ……………….SE 373 281
FLEET CONIFER PLANTATION ………..SE 376 281
FLEET POND ……………………………………..SE 380 278
ESHALD PLANTAYION ………………………SE 369 285
FOOTBALL PLANTATION ………………….SE 372 284
LOWTER LAKE……………………………………SE400284
St AIDAN’S Main lake view point. …………SE 394 276
St AIDAN’S MAIN GATE………………………SE 400288 (NO ACCESS – reference only)
ROTHWELL CP (Car Park)…………………..SE 350 298
