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
Hawfinch
Two hawfinches seen this morning in top of tall tree behind Fountains Hall.
Pink-footed Geese
Eighty flew over this morning over the sheep field near the river heading east. Also later in the morning a ...
Fieldfares
190 Fieldfares have just flown west past the village.
Our next events
Collaboration for Conservation: Working together to protect North Yorkshire’s White-clawed Crayfish.
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.
November 27, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Friends Meeting House, Harrogate
Christmas wildlife walk and lunch
Our traditional Christmas wildlife walk with Colin Slator, followed by lunch at Ripon Golf Club. We have had excellent Christmas lunch there in the previous two years. Any member is welcome to come to the lunch without joining the morning trip! There will then be a short afternoon session, hopefully to view a starling murmuration.
Book with Muff: mjupsall@btinternet.com
Please choose from the menu posted in the News section and let Muff know your choice.
December 10, 2024 at 9:00 am - December 10, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Meet at Ripon Golf Club car park at 9:00 or in the Golf Club dining room at 1:30.
Reports of our most recent trips
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...
Farnham Gravel Pit Fungus Foray - 19 October, 2024
The sharp eyes of 17 HDNS members spotted numerous different fungal species at Farnham Gravel Pit on Saturday 19 October. After reaching our agreed two hour time limit we had only managed a search from the car park to the vicinity of the Bird Hide! In that time, we...
Latest News
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.
Christmas lunch menu Dec 2024
Our Christmas walk and lunch is on 10 Dec (see details on its Events page) and the menu is now available. Christmas-Menu-2024Download
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.
