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
Clifden Nonpareil
Acorn Weevil – Curculio glandium
Appeared in the moth trap.
Hornet
One on buddleia. Photo available if required
Our next events
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
Brimham Rocks – a 500 million year story
For over 200 years, people have visited Brimham to marvel at the rock formations and scenery. The origins of this unique geological site is only just becoming clear and this talk will outline what we now know about the geology of the rocks, when and how they were formed, including some surprises along the way.
October 29, 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
Christmas lunch menu now available
The Christmas lunch menu is below. If you would like to join us for lunch please ensure you send the organiser (Muff) your choice for each of the three courses. HDNS CHRISTMAS...
Townend Field Nature Reserve opens
The latest nature reserve to open in our area, Townend Field in Greater Ouseburn, officially opens on 2nd October at 2pm. Members of HDNS are welcome to join the team who have...
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.
