Colne Valley, West Yorkshire
The steep sided valley is part of the east flank of the Pennine Hills
and takes its name from the River Colne. The river’s head is just
above the town of Marsden, from where the river runs eastward along
the valley. The area normally defined as the Colne Valley is found
along the section of the River Colne that lies between its source and
the town of Huddersfield. The valley sits on some gravel and chalk
deposits overlaying a bed of a thick deposit of London Clay. The area
was once thickly wooded but the ancient forests have all disappeared.
In their place now are steep grassland slopes decorated with patches
of woodland, some of which represent replanting programs aimed at
improving the valley’s natural habitat. The towns and villages of
Golcar, Marsden, Linthwaite and Slaithwaite are all within the Colne
Valley. Gravel extraction altered the landscape of the Colne Valley
during the last century. The industry left behind the many ponds and
lakes that formed from the old gravel pits. The Colne Valley Park,
which covers 43 square miles of semi-urban to unspoilt countryside,
has a string of these lakes which form part of the park’s scenery.
More British Natural features?
Other West Yorkshire Naturals
Ilkley Moor
River Aire
Hardcastle Crags
Marsden Moor
River Calder
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