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
Otters
One otter running up bank and going under a large fallen tree. Multiple squeaks heard then a much bigger otter ...
Palmate Newt?
Spotted when moving paving slabs, pinkish underbelly with spots, very small approx 3cm nose to tail, possibly juvenile? I have ...
Early butterflies etc
Comma and male Brimstone in my New Park garden, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, the Yurt, near Birk Crag.
Our next events
RSPB Fairburn Ings
All-day birding trip to Fairburn Ings.
May 7, 2025 at 10:00 am - May 7, 2025 at 4:00 pm
RSPB Fairburn Ings Car Park
Askham Bog
Led by Prof. Alastair Fitter. Alastair has an unrivalled knowledge of the biodiversity and the history of Askham bog .
Renewing the boardwalk has now been delayed until 2026 so the car park is available and we will use the boardwalks.
Please meet at 10,00 at the small YWT car park for this reserve, SE 5745 4792.
May 7, 2025 at 10:00 am - May 7, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Park at the nearby Askham Bar Park and Ride car park and take a short walk to meet at the Reserve Car park, SE 57454792.
Reports of our most recent trips
Ilkley Tree Walk - 4 April, 2025
Any visitor to Ilkley, with an interest in tree species, can now chose from six very well documented and illustrated Tree Trails. These trails are available as booklets, or can be downloaded to a mobile and/or printed out. The trails are very well written, with extra...
Trees of Valley Gardens - 8 March, 2025
On a particularly warm March afternoon 24 HDNS members gathered, ready to meet Sue Wood, and hear about some of the unusual tree species that grow in Valley Gardens. In her introduction Sue said that she hoped to highlight for us around 30 species,...
Latest News
Birk Crag Chestnut Click Beetle Hunt
North Yorkshire Council are encouraging visitors to Birk Crag in Harrogate to keep an eye out for the Chestnut Click Beetle (Anostirus castaneus), which only has modern records...
Member wins prestigious RHS Harlow Carr Medal
Congratulations to member Sue Wood who has been awarded the prestigious RHS Harlow Carr medal for lifetime achievements to horticulture. Sue has a particular interest in trees...
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.
