Ecology

The Heckmondwike Cutting was historically a part of the Leeds New Line which opened in 1900 and eventually closed in 1984. Since the closure of the railway, the land has been left to naturalise, and is now a mix of grassland, scrub, heath, ruderal habitats, temporary pools, bare ground and sparsely vegetated areas.

The individual component habitats may not be notable in their own right, however, in combination they create areas of high value for biodiversity. These semi-natural habitats together create a good example of an open mosaic habitats (OMH), a priority habitat which allows for a wide variety of plants, animals, and other organisms to thrive in a relatively small area.

The bare or sparsely vegetated patches provide a basis for the growth of certain types of plants which would otherwise struggle to compete against other species. This foundation when mixed amongst other habitats can also provide nesting, hunting, basking, foraging and egg-laying opportunities for insects and animals which also specialise in these conditions. Collectively these conditions can lead to the formation of highly valuable ecosystems.

The grassland, scrub, and heath provides a variety of habitats for many invertebrates, just this year over 80 invertebrate species have been recorded on the Cutting which includes a variety of bees, butterflies, moths, bugs, flies and damselflies. The site also attracts many birds including sparrows, robins, chiffchaffs, jays, dunnocks, buzzard and many more. Many mammals and amphibians have also made the Heckmondwike Cutting their home.

The Cutting is a place of natural beauty and tranquillity, highly regarded by the people of Heckmondwike and the surrounding area. The site offers two walking routes one along the top of the embankment from Horton Street to Walkley Terrace, the other along the Spen Valley Ringway connecting to the Spen Valley Greenway.