Reclaimed landfill at Cromwell Bottom. (1 Viewer)

[NIK III]

Hi Everyone,

This site just outside Halifax, where the River Calder and Rochdale Canal run close together, was a site for gravel extraction. Then it was an industrial and domestic refuse tip. Thanks to the efforts of a small group of dedicated enthusiasts with the help of Natural England and British Waterways, it is now recognised as a local nature reserve. I never knew it when it was a dump but now it's enjoyed by walkers, anglers, naturalists and birders.

In a handful of visits I've seen Blackbird, Blackcap, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Collard Dove, Common Gull, Coot, Cormorant, Crow, Dunnock, Feral Pigeon, Garden Warbler, Goldfinch, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Green Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Heron, Herring Gull, House Martin, Jay, Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Mandarin, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Pochard, Reed Bunting, Robin, Song Thrush, Swallow, Swift, Teal, Tufted Duck, Willow Warbler, Wood Pigeon, & Wren.

Those behind it cleared ponds and other areas, and planted wild wheat, barley, & oats. Then the birds came back. Hooray, didn't they do well.

10 pics

 

[NIK III]

Last set of pics

 

[RKell1]

It's so heartening when you see actions like this come to fruition. It just proves time and time again that with a bit of effort Mother Nature will triumph. Lovley set of shots

 

[Wendy Morris]

Great set of pics, Roy, and great to see something coming of an otherwise derelict site. Well done to all those involved. Particularly like that last pic of the reflection of the tree....I'm rather in to bare winter trees at the moment!

 

[BazR]

Hi Roy.
Thanks for sharing that heartwarming story of what some like-minded, nature-loving people have achieved, in rescuing an area laid waste by the 'efforts' of desecrators. It really is good to know that there are folks out there with that kind of dedication. Well done to all concerned.
I can't close without saying that your pics are beautiful, and the bird list is terrific for what I assume is a fairly new development. Thanks for sharing it with us.

All the best.
Baz.

 

[bill moss]

HI Roy,

Nice to hear about that, some of the most interesting places that I've been have been old gravel pits etc. That's an excellent Species list and can only increase with time; it's going to be worth many a future visit. And more photos to add to that great collection.

Bill

 

[Bea]

Hi Roy
That's good news indeed, so much land is being built on at the expence of wildlife that its good to see "us" giving something back to nature.

The pics are lovely (pity there's Mink about) and the list quite impressive. I shall have to pay a visit in Spring, is it easy to find from the A58?

 

[Pam_m]

Wonderful news to read, Roy! Well done to all involved in working hard to reclaim the land back for Mother Nature and for providing what looks a very fruitful reserve for wildlife and visitors!
I am sure you will enjoy many a happy hour or two there, Roy. A great set of pics to illustrate the beauty that is there too!

 

[Ruth Daniel]

Great news Roy!
It just goes to show what can be achieved and that even in old industrial areas mother nature will prevail with a little help!!:t:

Nice to see the pics too.......that Mallard reflection is super!!

 

[Mahsleb]

Hi Roy

I can only echo what's already been said
thanks for that great report and wonderful pics :t:

cheers

 

[NIK III]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks very much for your comments. I think I share everyone's sentiments in that those involved leave a legacy to be proud of. Thanks also for your kind comments about the pics.

Baz: The earliest mention I can find is one in a local paper from 2000. I've had half a dozen visits in the last 3 years.

Bill: I certainly will be visiting more now that I have a more mobile camera system.

Bea: It's on the A6025 between Brighouse and Elland, about 2 miles out of Brighouse. It's not signposted. Look for Cromwell House, the road down the side of it leads to a small car park. Be sure to take waterproof footware, and leggings you don't mind catching in the brambles.

 

[Bea]

Thanks Roy, I'll be able to find the reserve from your directions. Roll on Spring!

 

[Kits]

What a wonderful development. I enjoyed your pics too.

 

[NIK III]

Thanks Kits.

 

[pie]

Hi Roy,
Thats fantastic and the wildlife is amazing.
Thanks for a brilliant report & pics.
I'm so pleased Roy

 

[NIK III]

Thanks Pie, it's great to see what ordinary people with commitment can achieve. Springwatch's Breathing Place project is hopefully inspiring other groups to do similar things.

 

[Mabel]

What a great read!

 

[Mary Evelyn]

It is wonderful to read of people who fight the good fight Roy and win.Superb news and shows everyone that, sticking it out, can bring great results.

You can take fab pics of birds, rather than a tip .

Well done them, whoever they are. :t:

 

[NIK III]

Thanks for your comments Mabel and Mary. As well as birds the place is special for plants and amphibians. Great Crested Newts are found here although I've never seen one. It is a special little place.

 

[dafi]

Nice reflection shots Roy. I havent seen a long tailed tit for years now and its one of the birds Kate misses most from living south.It looks like nice ground. Lets have more reports to see how its going once every thing bursts into leaf.