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
Kingfisher in Wetherby
Kingfisher flew down from the weir, under the bridge and stopped for a while on a downstream buttress, before flying ...
Cormorant
A Cormorant swam downstream at great speed at 0930 this morning.
Buzzard
Buzzard over New Park roundabout midday-ish.
Our next events
Projects and Progress at the White Rose Forest
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.
October 16, 2024 at 7:30 pm - October 16, 2024
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Hartlepool Headland and Greatham Creek
Meeting at the Headland lighthouse at 9.30 for seawatching, checking the shore for waders and the gardens for migrants. Then to Greatham Creek and Seal Sands. Can members please message Mike if they are going to attend – 07908 384368 or mikesmithson2727@gmail.com
October 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - October 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Headland lighthouse, Hartlepool
Reports of our most recent trips
Lower Ure Conservation Trust Nosterfield - 20 August, 2024
12 members attended the meeting starting at 10.00 on a breezy overcast day. The first noticeable birds were 15 Little Egrets. A Great White Egret was seen by an early arriving member before 10.00 but left soon afterwards. A juvenile Garganey was dabbling in the water...
Members’ morning at Farnham Gravel Pit - 27 July, 2024
Each July we hold an open morning for members at Farnham Gravel Pit so that those without keys, especially new members, have an opportunity to discover the delights of the site. This year we had a good mix of regular and new members who enjoyed the plants (many of...
Latest News
Knaresborough Forest Park a step closer!
There was an official tree planting of an oak by Keith Wilkinson on Tuesday 13th August to celebrate the progress towards establishing the Knaresborough Forest Park, an important...
URE Connected – the Story of the Lower Ure Valley
On 22 March, LUCT are hosting a one-day seminar at Fountains Abbey. The seminar will celebrate the history, heritage and habitats of the Lower Ure Valley, with a range of guest...
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.
