New publications
Our Annual Report 2023 is now at the printers and the digital version is 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
Palmate Newt
A few sweeps with a net, to remove duckweed from my garden pond, revealed several Palmate Newts today.
Otter
Seen hunting among fallen, part-submerged boughs today. A kingfisher was in close attendance, presumably on the lookout for disturbed small ...
Pink-footed Geese
c. 100 flown over heading north
Our next events
Visit to energy storage system at Wormald Green
Visit to the BESS energy storage system at Wormald Green. Tessa Fletcher of Harmony Energy will show us round, explain how it works and answer all our questions! (Harmony Energy is the firm installing the BESS units at Farnham.) The demonstration will probably last no more than an hour, with time for discussion afterwards.
Further details nearer the time. Numbers will be limited to 15.
Please book with Muff mjupsall@btinternet.com 07812 356 177
March 6, 2026 at 10:00 am
Wormald Green, details to follow
Brimham Rocks geology walk
A tour of the fascinating geology of Brimham Rocks led by Stephen Lewis. This is a follow-up to the talk Stephen gave us on 29th October.
As some of the walk will be off the main paths, decent footwear is recommended.
The walk will last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, though in fact we won’t be walking very far, it’s just that there is a lot to see.
March 13, 2026 at 10:30 am
Meet at 10:30 in the main (lower) car park by the Welcome Hut. For National Trust members, car parking is free otherwise it will be £6.50 for 4 hours
Reports of our most recent trips
Hartlepool and Teesmouth - 17 February, 2026
Thirteen members attended this meeting starting at the Headland Lighthouse on a cold breezy day. Sheltering behind the buildings we looked out to sea. 7 Common Scoter drakes, 3 Eider Ducks and 4 Red-throated Divers flew past during our hour watching. On the rough sea...
Christmas field trip and lunch - 9 December, 2025
Planning an outdoor event in the middle of December is always a gamble, and this time 15 of us found ourselves with the forecast of Storm Bram. Colin accordingly amended his plans to include the hides at High Batts and Nosterfield. Although showery, it...
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.
