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
Blackcap
Male Blackcap in garden.
Fox on Leeds Road Stray
Fox walked from Leeds Road Stray across the A61 to Trinity Road and into the corner residence at 2.30am Couldn't ...
Hawfinch
Two hawfinches seen this morning in top of tall tree behind Fountains Hall.
Our next events
Trees and Fungi – part 2
A further look at the relationships between the two using examples from Yorkshire woodlands.
January 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Butterfly Conservation, 30 years and still counting
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.
January 22, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Reports of our most recent trips
Christmas Field Trip and Lunch - 10 December, 2024
A field trip in the middle of December is always a gamble, and this one narrowly escaped storm Darragh – the weather was relatively mild, windless and dry. 19 of us – a record – met at the Ripon City Golf Club car park and set off on one of Colin’s mystery...
Fungus Foray, Thruscross towards Blubberhouses - 24 October, 2024
Members attending this trip were very, very lucky in terms of the warm and sunny weather, in the levels of expertise and in the numbers of fungi identified. Andy Woodall together with Ian and Jonathan were present from the Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group, Kevin...
Latest News
Bob Evison obituary
John Mather has written this obituary for Bob Evison, who died earlier this year. Bob Evison obituary webDownload
North of England Raptor Forum – a shocking tale
Another example of the plight of Hen Harriers and other raptors on northern grouse moors as reported by NERF.
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.
