Leen Valley facts for kids
The Leen Valley is a wide valley in Nottinghamshire, England. It was formed by the River Leen, a river that flows through the area. This valley has a long and interesting history.
Once, the Leen Valley was a very important place for making clothes and mining coal. Today, some factories still make things, but the valley is mostly a place where people live and travel to work in Nottingham. This is called being a "commuter belt." Many towns and villages are found here, like Annesley, Bestwood Village, Newstead, Papplewick, Linby, Hucknall, Bulwell, Sherwood, Basford, Lenton, and Nottingham itself.
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Discovering the Leen Valley
The Leen Valley is a natural area shaped by the River Leen. It stretches across a part of Nottinghamshire, creating a distinct landscape. This valley is not just a geographical feature; it's also home to many communities.
Where is the Leen Valley Located?
The Leen Valley is found in the county of Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England. The River Leen flows through the valley, eventually joining the larger River Trent. The valley's location, close to the city of Nottingham, has played a big role in its development over time.
A Look Back: Industries of the Past
For many years, the Leen Valley was a busy hub for two main industries:
- Hosiery: This means making knitted clothes, especially socks and stockings. Many factories in the valley produced these items, providing jobs for lots of people.
- Coal Mining: The land beneath the Leen Valley held rich deposits of coal. Mines were dug, and coal was extracted, powering homes and industries across the country. This industry shaped the lives of many families in the area.
These industries were very important for the local economy. They helped the towns and villages in the valley grow and develop.
The Leen Valley Today
While the big hosiery factories and coal mines have mostly closed, the Leen Valley is still an active place.
- Light Manufacturing: Some smaller factories continue to make various products.
- Commuter Belt: A large number of people who live in the Leen Valley travel to work in Nottingham. This makes the valley an important part of Nottingham's wider metropolitan area. People enjoy living here because it offers a mix of quiet communities and easy access to the city.
Leen Valley: More Than Just a Place
The name "Leen Valley" is used in a few different ways:
- Geographical Area: It describes the actual valley formed by the River Leen.
- Council Ward: There is also a specific area within Nottingham city that is called the Leen Valley ward. A ward is a local area that elects representatives to the city council. In 2011, about 10,702 people lived in this ward.
- Housing Estate: In the northern part of Nottingham, there is a housing estate also named Leen Valley. This estate is built within a smaller valley created by the River Leen, which is part of the larger Leen Valley region.
