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
Ilkley Tree Trail – an introduction to trees
A walk along the river and around the swimming pool area of Ilkley following the Tree Trail leaflet to see 40 notable trees.
More details later. Book with Kerry.
April 4, 2025 at 10:30 am - April 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Meet in Swimming Pool car park, LS29 0BZ (free parking)
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM will be followed by a video by David Tipping
April 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm - April 9, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Reports of our most recent trips
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,...
Hartlepool - 11 February, 2025
Nine members attended this meeting starting at the Headland Lighthouse. It was an overcast day with a strong onshore wind making it a chilly day with a very rough sea. A number of Gannets and two Shags flew past offshore plus the only two Common Scoters we saw....
Latest News
A step closer to Townend Field local nature reserve
Congratulations to the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust which has now raised sufficient funds to purchase Townend Field in Great Ouseburn. Their offer to the current landowner has...
A Nidd Action Group event on 31st March 2025
The Nidd Action Group is holding a public meeting on water quality and management. The People’s Commission posterDownload
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.
