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
Pink-footed Geese
c. 100 flown over heading north
Ravens
Two very vocal Ravens around Crimple Viaduct (the one which still carries trains) this afternoon.
Poplar Hawk moth caterpillar
On a Poplar sapling in hedgerow.
Our next events
The Natural History of Christmas
This PowerPoint slideshow lasts just over an hour and looks at the animals, plants and fungi associated with Christmas, starting with the animals witnessing the birth of Christ, to the legend of Saint Nicolas, the origins of the British Father Christmas and the concept of flying reindeer. It also looks at seasonal food throughout the ages and the evolution of Christmas decorations. It is in memory of Patrick Harding (botanist, fungus expert, educator and broadcaster) and based on his book “The Magic of Christmas”
December 10, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
A Year in the Life of a Swift
Do you love the haunting sound of swifts screaming overhead each summer? If you do then you will have noticed that this sound is now becoming a rare event. Learn why this is and how you can help to protect this enigmatic bird. You will see footage of swifts in the nest and learn about their breeding behaviour and astonishing natural history.
Linda Jenkinson is a biologist, a birdwatching guide and educator, founder of the Leeds Birdfair and co-founder of Leeds Swifts. She is a member of a UK-wide network of swift conservationists and, during the summer months, she rehabilitates grounded swifts, swallows and martins at her home in Burley.
January 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Reports of our most recent trips
Guided Walk around Knaresborough Forest Park - 18 November, 2025
Starting early in the afternoon of 18 Nov eleven HDNS members had a really interesting walk, viewing and hearing details for the future of a number of large, currently empty fields, running down the southern side of the R Nidd. We were led around by Geoff Freeston and...
Washburn Valley Fungus Foray - 25 September, 2025
It was a perfect bright sunny autumn morning when we met up at Fewston Reservoir car park for our annual Fungus Foray, led by Andy Woodall, with the help of his fellow mycologist Ian Forward. As Andy’s fame has spread far and wide, we had 18 HDNS members raring to go…...
Latest News
Christmas lunch on 9th December – 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.
