Welcome to the Harrogate & District Naturalists' Society
Since 1947, the Harrogate & District Naturalists’ Society has been inspiring people to engage with the wonderful wildlife found within this beautiful part of the world. We are a friendly group of natural history enthusiasts with a wide range of members, from complete beginners to wildlife professionals. Together we celebrate, observe and record the natural world in towns, gardens and the countryside surrounding Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the whole of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Get Involved
From heather moorlands and broadleaved woodlands to
species-rich hay meadows, waterways and reservoirs, the Harrogate District is full of special habitats for wildlife. There are many ways you can get involved, ranging from becoming a member to submitting a sighting or venturing out and visiting local wildlife sites.
Become a Member
Joining is is easy and your annual membership fee gives you access to a range of benefits. Our members regularly get together to share their knowledge and experience with each other and join in lively discussions. You will also have the chance to get involved with the running of the Society, from wildlife recording to volunteering at Farnham Gravel Pit.
Latest wildlife sightings
Hornet
One on buddleia. Photo available if required
Cuckoos at Staveley
2 Cuckoos calling and seen at Staveley Nature Reserve through most of May.
Otters
One otter running up bank and going under a large fallen tree. Multiple squeaks heard then a much bigger otter ...
Our next events
Mammals of Southern India – a trip to Nagarhole NP
This talk will be based on a trip to Nagarhole National Park in the western Ghats in southern India. The park was setup in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary and later its area increased to 643.39 km (399.78 mi. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1999. It had been an exclusive hunting reserve for the local kings.
The park has a healthy population of Chital, Sambar and Gaur which support an increasing population of Tigers. There are also Leopard and Dhole Dhole have an extensive range across east Asia but in spite of this they have an estimated adult population of less than 2500 individuals, making them rarer than Tigers.
October 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Flora and fauna of South Africa’s Cape region
The North and West Cape provinces hold a unique and diverse flora and fauna with fascinating ecology. Nick will introduce some of their highlights with illustrations from two recent trips.
October 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Reports of our most recent trips
RSPB St. Aidan’s Reserve - 12 August, 2025
We arrived in what can only be described as perfect conditions for this visit. There was no wind and the early overcast conditions kept the fierce heat at bay. Tim chose the path which led us to some semi arid lagoons where a fantastic variety of birds were...
Burton Leonard Quarry, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve - 12 July, 2025
Undeterred by a weather forecast above 30°C, HDNS members assembled at the Burton Leonard quarry entrance armed with sun hats, sun cream and plenty of water. The day was intended as a refresher course for grasses and sedges, led by Kevin Walker. There...
Latest News
Local Nature Recovery Strategy consultation
A public consultation for the North Yorkshire & York Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will be launched on Monday 30th June for a six-week period & will close...
Birk Crag Chestnut Click Beetle Hunt
North Yorkshire Council are encouraging visitors to Birk Crag in Harrogate to keep an eye out for the Chestnut Click Beetle (Anostirus castaneus), which only has modern records...
Farnham Gravel Pit
Farnham Gravel Pit is a site rich in wildlife. Designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), this 80 hectare area located one mile from Knaresborough includes two lakes and a range of habitats. Closed to the general public, members of the Society have special permission from the landowners to visit the site
Locations
There is amazing diversity of habitat and wildlife in our area. Here are some of our favourite locations for you to explore.
