Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods
Environment
We want to carry out environmental improvements to Gledhow lake and beck to make it a haven for wildlife and promote community access.
About this cause
The friends of Gledhow Valley Woods was established in 1996 to protect and enhance the natural beauty of woodland and meadow running through an urbanised area of north Leeds. We increase public awareness of this precious amenity, working in partnership with other conservation groups and the wider community. We hold monthly action mornings with 30-40 volunteers to plant hedgerows, litter pick, create and maintain paths, provide seating and remove invasive species. Our annual fun day attracts many hundreds of visitors and is our main source of funding. We employ no staff, all work is carried out by volunteers. The excellent local support we receive was demonstrated last year when a meadow threatened by development was purchased for the community by a crowd funding campaign we initiated.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Gledhow lake has its origins as a medieval fishpond.In the 19th century it was used as a ice skating and boating lake. During the first world war it was a peaceful haven for soldiers recovering from their injuries at the nearby military hospital. Today it is a well used urban green space. The lake is becoming seriously silted and will disappear if no action is taken. We will renew silt traps to prevent more silt getting into the lake, plant reed beds to improve biodiversity & provide information board's on the areas history & wildlife. We will also improve access to the area by currently under represented groups.