Urban farm home to wildlife haven with pond and trees

A NEW wildlife haven has been created at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm in Leeds.

Volunteers have spent the last two years transforming a 2.1 acre disused field, landscaping the area by digging a pond, and planting 300 trees and thousands of wildflowers.

Situated between two of the most deprived areas of Leeds, the new habitat encourages diversity in urban wildlife, providing an eco-system where rare species such as red kites, white-clawed crayfish and roe deer can flourish.

The site also includes a bike track, making the resource accessible to young people through community project ReConnect, where youngsters rebuild and ride discarded bikes.

Robert Paige, education officer at the urban farm, said: “Transforming an area which had fallen out of use will benefit the surrounding area for years to come.

“We have already seen evidence of how the new site will help us reach out to even more people, enabling us to extend our educational offer and provide increased support to our community.”

Hilary Benn, Leeds Central Labour MP said: “As an education centre and a social hub, Meanwood is a real asset to the community.

“It brings the natural world into the inner city and gives many young people the hands-on chance to learn about it.

“They can see how our actions affect wildlife and the natural environment.”

The haven was created with the help of npower, which donated 17,000 and provided volunteers for the project.

Kevin Rodgers, community investment executive at npower, said yesterday: “We are delighted to be able to lend our support to Meanwood, a resource we feel passionately about.

“Through our employee volunteer programme we have built a long lasting relationship with the team, and seeing our vision become a reality has been an extremely rewarding experience.”

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a 16.5 acre environmental education facility situated one mile outside Leeds city centre. For more information visit: www.mvuf.org.uk

Spanning a total area of 24 acres, the farm celebrates 30 years of providing environmental and educational support to children and adults in April. It welcomes thousands of visitors each year.