WHAT do the following have in common?

Rock pools, Wakefield’s Peregrines, 300 million years of climate change in Wharfedale, meandering rivers, Woodland Trusts Snaizeholme reserve, and the close association between butterflies and flowers?

They are all talks in the Wharfedale Naturalists' winter programme. There are plenty more subjects, as well a fungal foray, birding trips and conservation work.

Ian Brand, president of Wharfedale Naturalists' Society said: "Autumn may have arrived along with darker evenings, but that hasn’t stopped the Wharfedale Naturalists enthusiastically finding more about our natural world.

"I think the society is one of the best kept local secrets, but now with 600 members it appears word is spreading about this friendly group. You don’t have to be an expert. Most members are just interested in nature and would like to find out a little bit more.

"This all comes after a successful summer with 40 outings exploring Wharfedale’s wildlife and beautiful countryside – birds, plants, butterflies, moths, mammals, evening nature walks, and museum visits, we have got it all covered.

"Our next talk at 7.30pm on Tuesday 22nd October at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley, will be about ‘The Wakefield Peregrines’. This is a fascinating subject, and we have Francis Hickenbottom, head of the project to tell us more about these iconic birds which have nested not just on rocky cliffs like Malham Cove but increasing in our city centres. Everyone is welcome."

To find out more about the society, and future events visit www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk