Ian Brand, president of Wharfedale Naturalists' Society reports on a summer of exploring, enjoying and conserving Wharfedale’s wildlife.

There is a chill in the morning air, and Rosebay Willowherb and creeping thistle seeds are everywhere. All this means that autumn is not far away.

What have you been up to this summer? For the Wharfedale Naturalists, (perhaps one of the best kept local secrets), with 600 members, we have been out exploring and enjoying the local countryside and wildlife over the summer months.

Helen Steward (our summer programme secretary) has organised almost 40 trips. It has been a fantastic summer of events, with such a rich variety – thank you Helen. Led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable members, welcoming everyone, to our friendly society.

Tuesday evening nature walks remain one of the favourites, and a Nats institution. You never know what you might see or find as we explore our local countryside, and with experts on hand to explain what we see, there is never a dull moment. Evening walks are a friendly and sociable introduction to the natural world, often with the chance of a beer or coffee afterwards in a local pub.

For those wanting birding events there have been plenty to choose from, both local and further afield towards the coast. Evenings spent watching Barn Owls, Long-eared Owls and Nightjars have been particularly popular.

Botany trips have ranged from local wildlife hotspots to visiting botanically diverse sites in Upper Wharfedale, frequently off the beaten track, with access not normally granted to the public.

There have been plenty more wildlife events, ranging from moth trapping, butterflies, mammal ‘trap and release’ surveys and geology. Some of these have been particularly aimed at beginners, with half-day ‘improve your skills’, usually just two hours long and at weekends. They are an excellent way to dip your toe into something you always fancied knowing more about.

Add in a visit to Snaizeholme, near Hawes (Woodland trust), Rodley Nature Reserve, for birding and insect led walks, where we had sole access, and lastly a behind the scenes look at the natural history artefacts stored at the Craven Museum in Skipton. It has certainly has been an excellent summer for society.

The Wharfedale Nats will be launching their winter programme in September – a series of twelve talks, birding trips, fungal foray, and even a winter moth walk.

‘The more you know, the more you see, and the more you see, the more you enjoy’

To find out more about the society visit our website https://www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk/