Townclose Hills Local Nature Reserve - or Billy Wood as it is known locally - sits upon a knoll of magnesian limestone.
* Click here for latest news in Kippax and Methley. From the grassland plateau at the top of the hill are beautiful near-panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The mosaic of habitats found here – including limestone grassland, woodlands, meadows, scrub and a woodland glade – supports a wide variety of plant and animal life, and much of the site has been designated a site of special scientific interest by English Nature in recognition of its national importance for conservation.
Nature trail * CLICK HERE FOR AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO THE HISTORY, HABITATS AND SPECIES OF TOWNCLOSE HILLS. * CLICK HERE FOR LATEST FRIENDS OF BILLY WOOD NEWS.It features a map showing the route of a way-marked nature trail around the reserve and the habitat inform. The nature trail is about 2 kilometres long.
Glowworm walks Have you ever seen a glowworm? Townclose is one of the only sites in West Yorkshire where you can find them! Look out for our programme of night-time Glowworm Walks over the summer months.
To find out more please call Jenny on (0113) 2375320.
Open access Townclose Hills is access land, so you are free to explore this area without sticking to a particular path, but be aware that limestone is renowned for its large cracks, or 'grykes', that feet can get trapped in! Paths may be steep in places and the ground uneven or muddy, so wear sturdy shoes and be careful where you walk. Always dress for the weather and keep children and dogs under supervision at all times. Please clean up after your dog and take all litter home with you so that everyone can enjoy the site and children can play here safely.
Access and facilities There are several footpaths into the site, but the main one runs up from Kippax Leisure Centre car park on Station Road. A track runs from the bottom of Westfield Lane up to the northernmost tip of the site, and the Lines Way, which runs all the way from Garforth to Allerton Bywater, runs along the western edge.
There are no toilet facilities on the site.
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