Lectures

The ancient Royal Forest of Knaresborough dates back to the 12^th century and stretched out west beyond Blubberhouses. Its unfortunate demise dates back to the 1770 Enclosure Act instigated by the Duchy of Lancaster. Today many ancient forests are being reinvigorated and there is great potential for the forest in the developing Yorkshire White Rose Forest and the Governments proposed coast to coast Northern Forest – 50million trees by 2050 aiming to 1] absorb carbon dioxide, 2] retain water flow 3] create urban and rural areas of wellbeing 4] increase biodiversity in the region

Introducing the White Rose Forest and our part in the England Community Forest (ECF). Explaining the processes and challenges of woodland creation through case studies of key projects across our area and summarising our progress. With particular focus on the Royal Forest of Knaresborough and the wider SUNO catchment.

The curlew year and lessons learnt from 3 years of close observation of curlews during their breeding season. Establishing the causes, in the Darley Beck  area, of poor breeding success, and measures taken  by DBCP to improve it.

Project manager Nabil Abbas will provide an overview of the Skell Valley Project, a 4-year partnership project which is working to improve landscape resilience, support nature recovery, research & celebrate heritage and engage people in protecting the landscape of this North Yorkshire valley.

The background/ ecology of white-clawed crayfish including the threats they face and reason for decline, with an introduction to the North Yorkshire Crayfish Forum and action plan for crayfish in North Yorkshire, past and current crayfish projects, and what you can do to help.

A number of birds and animal species were searched for with the names attached to the 18th century Prussian zoologist – plus much more! Especially the prized big cat of the Altai – the beautiful ‘Ounce’.

A further look at the relationships between the two using examples from Yorkshire woodlands.

Trends in Yorkshire’s butterfly abundance and distribution’ with an emphasis on new Nidderdale species like the Silver-washed fritillary and what happened in 2023, the effects of climate change and other drivers.

A brief insight into the wonders of the world of Apis mellifera and other bee species, including evolution, anatomy and environment, plus sections on how to help and what to plant. There may even be one or two rather bad bee jokes! 

In this varied talk with audio illustrations, Kevin will outline some of the many ways our feathered friends have been depicted in music over the centuries. Many familiar species will be featured although there could well be a few musical birds that can’t decide what species they are! All the musical extracts will be fairly short and there will definitely be something for all tastes!

Gardening for wildlife has become a major topic in recent years but there is still an emphasis on attracting bees and butterflies. Spiders are equally important. Geoff will explain some of the biology, and often bizarre lifestyles, of a selection of the common spiders to be found in Yorkshire gardens, and how to encourage them to take up residence.