Burke Wood

Collapsed weir on the River Aire at Newlay

Newlay Weir collapsed in early February 2021, during a period of very high river levels caused by recent heavy rain and snow. The first pictures appeared locally on social media on 4th February, where you could see that water was lower in the centre of the weir. By 9th February, a large section had collapsed, leaving the river level at least a metre below the top of the weir. The water was flowing through a gap between 5 and 10 metres wide. The altered flow has washed away some of the bank just downstream, causing a large tree to fall into the water. It was also reported that contractors working on construction of the fish pass lost some equipment into the river. The river under Newlay Bridge is now a metre lower than normal summer levels, leaving parts of the banks exposed which are normally under water. The weir is a Grade II Listed structure (see English Heritage Link

). There are various reports of its age - the first weir may have been built by monks from Kirkstall Abbey. It is clear that a weir existed by the late 17th century, and the present weir dates from the 19th century. The purpose of the weir was to divert water along a goit (channel) towards Kirkstall Forge (which certainly has its origins as a corn mill built by the monks). By the late 18th century Beecroft and Butler were using the forge to make wrought iron. The goit fed into a dam from where it drove 3 waterwheels which operated drop hammers in the forge. (See SE2536 : Remains of the Kirkstall Forge ). 2 of the water wheels and parts of the original building still exist and are Grade II listed.

Newlay Bridge

Bridge across the River Aire.

The top section of Newlay Lane

A steep residential street rising from Newlay Bridge across the River Aire.

Broadgate Lane shops

The parade currently comprises a cleaning agency, hair salon, convenience store (formerly a post office, hence the postbox on the corner), 'business solutions' and footcare centre.

The Malt Brewhouse, Horsforth

The pub at the top of Broadgate Lane has changed hands since 2009, see SE2438 : Bar 166 & Bistro - Town Street, since which time it has gained the door in the side and steps (presumably as a fire escape).

The Malt Brewhouse, Horsforth - brewery

The micropub SE2438 : The Malt Brewhouse, Horsforth brews its own beer in an outhouse, although they do sell others.

Shop being refurbished, Long Row, Horsforth

Boarded up houses, Long Row, Horsforth

This short terrace looks uninhabited and possibly scheduled for demolition.

Communications Mast at Rodley Nature Reserve

Looking down the entrance road heading in to Rodley Nature Reserve towards the Yorkshire Water Works at the far end. This mast carries the EE and Three mobile networks. Photograph taken on 29/09/2021.

Little Owl Hiding Amongst the Trees at Rodley Nature Reserve

A Little Owl observed hiding amongst the trees near the Manager's Hide at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photograph taken on 29/09/2021.

Heron and Swan Cygnet at Rodley Nature Reserve

A Heron and a Swan Cygnet together at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photograph taken on 29/09/2021.

Heron Looking Over the Water at Rodley Nature Reserve

A Heron stands looking out over the lake at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photograph taken on 29/09/2021.

A Heron and Swans at Rodley Nature Reserve

A Heron and some Swans at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photograph taken on 29/09/2021.

Cows Beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Rodley

Some Cows grazing in a field beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Rodley, Leeds. Photograph taken on 25/07/2021.

Newlay Locks, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Bramley

Photograph taken along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, at Newlay Locks near Bramley, Leeds. The photograph is looking in the direction of Leeds City Centre. Photograph taken on 29/12/2018.

Dipping Ponds at Rodley Nature Reserve

Photograph of a dipping pond at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photograph taken on 28/10/2018.

Chef Works Europe, Springfield Commercial Centre

Photograph showing the front of the Chef Works Europe building located at 7 Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley. Chef Works Europe manufactures and distributes chef clothing and uniforms for restaurants and hotels worldwide. Photograph taken on 13/05/2018.