The former Water Haigh coal mine between Woodlesford and Swillington near Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been transformed into a new woodland park.

Funding for the scheme, which was carried out by Leeds City Council's (LCC) parks and countryside team, was provided by landfill communities fund Biffaward, Green Leeds Limited and the Forestry Commission. Work included the installation of signs and interpretative panels, a new seating and picnic area along the edge of the Trans Pennine Trail, new footpaths and the planting of more than 40,000 new saplings.

It is hoped that the new Water Haigh park will regenerate an area of the lower Aire Valley from its industrial past into a haven for wildlife, as well as establishing a 'green corridor' connecting St Aidan's Country Park, Rothwell Country Park, Temple Newsam Estate and Leeds city centre. LCC's executive member for leisure, John Procter, said: "It's great to see the old coal mine transformed into an area of natural beauty. Leeds is a very green city and it is great to see we are adding to this with the new Water Haigh park."