Events

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.

Make it Wild have, to date, established 10 nature reserves in North Yorkshire. At their 110-acre site at Bank Woods, Summerbridge in Nidderdale they have mosaic of habitats including: semi-natural ancient woodland; recently planted mixed-broadleaved woodland; meadows; ponds and grazed upland scrub grassland. The site is being rewilded through a blend of created habitat interventions and natural regeneration and this talk describes the observed impact on a variety of species of flora and fauna. 

Harrogate grew from a landscape of complex mineral springs once described as a “brewing apparatus of nature.” These waters shaped a town designed around healing, from gardens and promenades to rituals and architecture. Much of that purpose has faded. This talk traces how Harrogate emerged, rose to prominence and declined, and explores how returning to these natural origins could shape a healthier and more connected future for people and place. The task now is to shape a new Harrogate story true to the land beneath our feet.

An introduction to bats, their physiology, the Yorkshire species, identification using ultrasonic recording, their history in the County and current distribution where known.

Since 1979 plants have played a big part in Nigel’s life. After qualifying from Askham Bryan College NIgel’s work in horticulture took him to Oxford Botanical Gardens and into the Tropical Houses to work with their Alpines, Tropical Ferns and Orchids. His work sparked his interest in native plants and orchids and he has travelled widely to seek out species. The horticultural world continues to benefit from Nigel’s expertise as he is active in a number of roles within the RHS. Nigel lives in the Yorkshire Dales. His talk will be on his travels in search of our native orchids here in the Yorkshire Dales and other counties.

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.

AGM business to be followed by a talk (to be arranged).