Visiting Leeds and hoping to squeeze in some birding?

Here are the recommendations I was given by local birders for sites accessible on foot and/or by public transport from Leeds city centre.

1 Within metres of the rail station, you can start a walk alongside the River Aire and Leeds- Liverpool Canal for waterbirds and, in particular, Goosander.

2 It’s only a 20- minute walk from the station to the University of Leeds’ Parkinson Building for Peregrines.

3 Past the Parkinson Building and a further 10- minute walk and you’ll arrive at Woodhouse Moor, and I’m told this is a good spot for some urban birding.

4 The bus journey north from central Leeds to Adel Dam Nature Reserve for resident Kingfishers and other wetland birds takes about 30 minutes.

5 Thirty minutes by bus and on foot west of the city and up the River Aire takes you to Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve for Goosanders, Grey Herons, Kingfishers, Bullfinches and Reed Buntings.

6 Rodley Nature Reserve is just over 30 minutes by bus to the north- west of the city. At the time of writing, it was temporarily closed, but sightings in the past include Kingfisher, Dipper, Barn Owl, Snipe and Goldeneye.

7 Roundhay Park is north- east of the city and a 40- minute bus ride. The woodland area is home to Nuthatch, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Great Crested Grebe breed on the lakes, and Common Terns have nested. Goosander and Grey Wagtails are possibilities too.

8 If you’ve a bit more time, the local birders rave about the St Aidan’s RSPB Reserve, which is a 45- minute bus trip east of the city. Previous sightings include Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Short- eared Owl (and Long- toed Stint!).