Documenting the biodiversity of the Meanwood Valley

Exhibition panels along a brick wall featuring photographs and information on the Meanwood Valley's biodiversity.
Meanwood Valley Bioblitz exhibition panels. Photo: Ellen Hunter.

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £3,000 to £10,000

Date awarded
Location
Chapel Allerton
Local Authority
Leeds
Applicant
The Meanwood Road Project
Award Given
£8683
This project has explored the natural environment and biodiversity of the Meanwood Valley in Leeds by training local wildlife ambassadors to map the local flora and fauna.

Throughout the project, 59 participants made 2,313 observations of 774 different species which were all recorded using the iNaturalist app. This led to the confirmation that, for first time in several years, otters are present in the Valley, alongside endangered white-clawed crayfish. 
 
The funding has enabled the Meanwood Road Project team to recruit participants and volunteers, buy specialist equipment (such as moth traps) and access specialist expertise to help identify the more challenging species. 

National Lottery funding really helped boost the project and enabled us to take it to the next level.

Cluny Macpherson, local volunteer

The project concluded with the launch of an outdoor exhibition along a wall on Meanwood Road. This features information about the natural heritage of the Valley and the discoveries made during the project.

A final report and evaluation are linked with a research project which will help identify the next steps in supporting the natural heritage ambassadors to protect the habitats and species of the patch.

Local volunteer Cluny Macpherson said “National Lottery funding really helped boost the project and enabled us to take it to the next level. It has succeeded in building a local community dedicated to protecting the biodiversity on our doorstep.” 

People looking at exhibition panels along a brick wall at the roadside.
People viewing the outdoor exhibition along Meanwood Road, Leeds. Photo: Ellen Hunter.

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