With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00Explore this former open cast coal mine and see how nature has reclaimed this industrial landscape. Join us for an event – how about staying out until after dark to see what night-time wildlife we can find?
Just a stone's throw from the centre of Leeds, St Aidan's is a stunning place to explore. Whether you're on foot, on your bike, riding a horse or have your camera at the ready, take advantage of the amazing views and wonderful wildlife including Bitterns, Black-necked Grebes, Little Owls, Kestrels, Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings.
St Aidan's has been transformed from an old, open cast mine to a reserve that's alive with wildlife. Its relatively small size means you can easily explore a rich variety of habitats including reedbeds, wetlands, meadows and woodland.
90 spaces. 5 Blue Badge spaces. Blue badge spaces, approximately 30m from the Visitor Centre. Tarmac in the car park. Bicycle racks available. No formal drop-off point. No lighting in car park. No height restriction barrier.
No overnight parking or camping. We have limited capacity in the car park. Please be mindful of this before you travel and have an alternative destination in mind if we are full when you get here. Please don't park on the road or verges as it causes an obstruction for residents and emergency services.
Open daily, 10am-5pm (10am-4pm, November-February). An accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of the Visitor Centre, with level access to it. The gender neutral accessible toilet has one toilet, sink and a fold down baby changing table that can be used from a seated position.
There are both horizontal and vertical hand rails and colour contrast on critical surfaces. Push buttons on the sink. Emergency alarm cord.
Open daily, 10am-5pm (10am-4pm, November-February). They are located in the accessible toilet in the visitor centre.
The level, circular walks around our trails makes St Aidan's the perfect place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair. You and the little ones can spot ducks on the pools, taking in the stunning views across the reserve and fresh air as you go. We do recommend speaking with our team on arrival, as some paths are liable to become muddy during bad weather.
There is a mix of different types of paths, that are both flat and undulating, where walks can be enjoyed. Suggested trails are described on the trail guide and map and vary in length and difficulty, to appeal to explorers of different needs and desires. The trail guide and map are available free from the visitor centre.
Open daily, 10am-5pm (10am-4pm, November-February). They are located in a separate toilet block in the car park.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time
Dogs on leads are welcome on the public footpaths and bridleways around the nature reserve. Please keep to the designated rights of way only. Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season.
Dogs are welcome in the recreation area, indicated in grey hatching on our site maps. Dog water bowls available outside the Little Owl Café Sorry, dogs aren’t permitted inside the Little Owl Café other than assistance dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
The take off and landing of drones/UAVs on RSPB St Aidan's is not permitted without permission from the site management team.
Download our trail maps, or find accessibility information to help you plan your visit. We have worked with AccessAble so that you can find out about our facilities before you visit.
Discover exciting events all year at St Aidan's. Join us for a bespoke reserve tour or our community wellbeing wander. Take part in Nature Quest by hiring one of our backpacks!
Ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Retreat to the Aire Valley to see the best of spring.
We have lots of resources to help you plan and lead a day of learning on our nature reserve.
