the Ings are the left overs from the early river systems before the building up of the river banks, hardly ever have they been of arable value.The physical features are of areas of open water surrounded by wetlands and marsh which have been accentuated by the effect of mining subsidence. The Ings support varied items of flora and fauna in particular passing seabirds and wildfowl along with its own family of water birds.
A good view of the Ings can be obtained from the artificial hillock (its time it was given a name) created by the diversion of the river Aire and canal.