New publications
Our Annual Report 2023 and Bird Report 2024 are now available to members on the Members Area page.
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
Silver-washed Fritillary
Several on the wing in a woodland glade near High Grantley this afternoon.
Avocet
6 Avocets seen today at Ripon City Wetlands. Also Yellow Wagtail and Marsh Harrier. Bittern heard booming on 3 occasions ...
What is this
This bird has been around for a few days. It is not a red kite wich are quite common
Our next events
Ripon Canal
Botany of the area. We will be concentrating on emergent waterside plants. Binoculars will be useful for looking across the canal.
July 17, 2026 at 10:00 am
YWT Ripon City Wetlands car park
Botany of Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs
July 29, 2026 at 10:00 am
Swinsty Moor car park, LS21 2NP, SE186537
Reports of our most recent trips
Grassington Meadows Day - 4 July, 2026
Grassington National Park Centre was already busy on this Saturday morning as we gathered together, noticeably with groups on last minute preparations before setting out on their D of E walks. Our Meadows Day Walk was a far more gentle challenge! The route that we...
Thornborough Henge and Nosterfield - 13 June, 2026
(Only some of the outstanding plants from the long list made on the day are mentioned here; the full list with scientific names for Thornborough, plus a list of the highlights from Nosterfield, can be downloaded below.) All the 17 members were depressingly...
Latest News
Nidderdale Adders are genetically diverse
Nidderdale has a healthy and genetically diverse population of Adders according to a DNA study commissioned by Natural England. Read more on the Nidderdate National Landscape...
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.
