An overgrown Japanese Garden at Yeadon Tarn has been brought back to life thanks to the work of volunteers.

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) have been working on the garden in the north east corner of the tarn site, digging out the overgrown ponds and improving access by creating a new path with seating areas and information boards.

They hope the project will encourage regeneration of the garden and marginal pond life, helping to provide an inviting habitat for diverse wildlife and a more attractive site for visitors.

The project is being paid for through the Caird Peckfield Community Fund which TCV applied for in partnership with Leeds City Council and the Aireborough and District Angling Association.

A spokesman for TCV said: “Many local walkers have stopped to find out more about our work and chat about their memories of playing in the garden as children.  Some have called it ‘Froggy Pond’ because they went home with jars full of frog spawn or tadpoles when they were young.  “The interest has been keen and many people admit that because it has become so overgrown they did not know a garden existed there at all.  All of them have been delighted to see the progress being made by the volunteers.”

Councillor Mark Dobson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment said: “This project will expand and diversify the range of habitats for wildlife at Yeadon Tarn, which continues to be a fantastic for people of all ages to visit. In addition the work which has been undertaken at the ponds will provide an added attraction for visitors to Tarnfield Park and those using the Northwest Leeds Country Park and Green Gateways trail which passes through the park.”

Anyone who wants to get involved with TCV’s work at Yeadon Tarn or any of their other projects, should go to Hollybush in Kirkstall, Leeds on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Visit tcv.org.uk/hollybush, e-mail j.kandola@tcv.org.uk or ring (0113) 274 2335 for details.