Field Meetings
All are welcome to our field meetings, which give opportunities to pursue specific interests and learn about biodiversity in different habitats and the relationships between species involved. Field meetings are free to members. Non-members are welcome on payment of a day membership fee of £3 per person.
Reports of past excursions can be found on this website (under Trip Reports).
Please note the following precautions: stout footwear and suitable outdoor clothing should always be worn. Bring plenty of food and drink, with sun blocker and insect repellent when relevant. Members take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for their personal safety and the security of their personal belongings.
Of course the weather can never be guaranteed, so some events may have to be altered slightly to work around any inclement precipitations! Also note that return times are approximate only.
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Notes for botanical field trips
Please email or ‘phone the organiser to say you are coming, this will make it possible to car share – many of the venues have little parking; also changes to the printed programme may have occurred. Please bring next-of-kin name and phone number.
Contact Details:
Contact: Kerry Morrison or Muff Upsall (see membership card or Members' Area for contact details)
Notes for ornithological trips run by Mike Smithson
All meetings are self drive / car share but the resumption of the coach trips is being kept under review. Please contact Mike Smithson beforehand if you intend to come (contact details in the Members' Area).
Please also supply Mike with an emergency name and phone number either prior to coming or when you arrive. As with most field meetings a packed lunch and suitable clothing is recommended.
Nidd Gorge Fungus foray
October 8, 2026 at 10:00 am
Location: Meet at the Woodland Trust car park on the North side of the river, Scotton Banks, SE 331584
Price - £3, free to members
Andy Woodall’s autumn field trips are always richly rewarding – look up the trip reports from previous years on the HDNS website.
Meet at the Woodland Trust car park on the North side of the river, Scotton Banks, SE 331584 (no toilets) at 10:00 on Thursday 8th October. The car park is small so share transport if possible.
Bring packed lunch.
Please book with Muff Upsall.
Event Organiser: Muff Upsall
Event Leader: Andy Woodall
Christmas Field Trip and Meal
December 8, 2026
Location: Ripon City Golf Club car park
Price - £3, free to members (lunch not included)
This is a field trip led by Colin Slator to visit various local wildlife spots followed by a convivial Christmas lunch at the Ripon City Golf Club. After which we would hope to watch a nearby starling murmuration (starlings permitting). It’s always a great end to the year!
Numbers in the morning will be limited but there is no limit to the lunch numbers. And you are welcome to join in the morning but forgo the lunch if you wish.
Event Organiser: Muff Upsall
Event Leader: Colin Slator
Members Area
View the Society's latest publications in this area of the website reserved for Members.
Trip Reports
View a detailed roundup of all our Field Trips in the Harrogate District and beyond.
Latest News
The latest wildlife news from around the Harrogate District that may be of interest to naturalists.