Here is our current programme of events.
Please note that for privacy, we do not show contact details on this webpage. If you are interested in attending an event, please contact us.
September 2024 – January 2025
Sunday 1st September — TASK — Beningbrough Hall
Our autumn task calendar starts in the grounds of this Georgian mansion on the banks of the River Ouse. We will probably be working in the parkland, or possibly in the extensive informal gardens. Lighter jobs are usually included in the work needing to be done. Contact Geoff and Margaret if you’d like join us.
Sunday 8th September — WALK — Conistone, Wharfedale
To celebrate the start of autumn, Sylvia is leading us on the classic Wharfedale walk from Conistone to Capplestone Gate via Conistone Dibb.
Walk details: “A high-level 7-mile walk to the trig point at Capplestone Gate (512 m), with some interesting features along the way. After passing through a limestone gorge, a bit of scrambling to gain height (alternative path available), then a slow ascent to our ‘summit’ below Great Whernside, from where there are views down Wharfedale, over Littondale, even into the upper reaches of Nidderdale. We finish with a gentle return along the Dales Way, past ‘Conistone Pie’, and down a track to the starting point.”
Location and meeting point: B6160 from Threshfield towards Kilnsey, turn right just before Kilnsey, signed Conistone. Meet by the free parking at far end of bridge near Conistone village (not in the village). For SatNav use BD23 5HS.
To join us, contact Sylvia.
Sunday 15th September — TASK — East Riddlesden Hall
The last task this year at this popular small property. There are usually several different jobs needing to be done here. Please contact Helen to join us.
Sunday 29th September — TASK — Brimham Rocks
We often spend tasks here clearing birch from the heather moorland, but we could be doing footpath work or even building bridges. To find out, and to enjoy the spectacular landscape (described by one of our volunteers as being good for the soul), contact Andy.
Sunday 13th October — TASK — Upper Wharfedale Estate
Situated in the Yorkshire Dales, Upper Wharfedale is noted as one of the finest valleys in the country. Tasks here are as varied as the landscape – moorland, woodland or river bank. Whichever location, the scenery is stunning and the work invigorating. To join us, contact Steve.
Friday 25th October, 7pm — MEAL — Aagrah Mid-point, Thornbury
As the nights draw in, NTV thoughts turn to food and good company in a cosy location. This time we are heading to the ever-popular destination of the Aagrah at Thornbury, to indulge in the extensive and varied buffet on offer there. 7pm start. To book your seat at the table, please contact Jane. For more information on the venue, or for directions, visit https://www.aagrah.com/find-a-restaurant/midpoint/
Sunday 27th October — TASK — Ormesby Hall, Middlesborough
A newcomer to our list of task venues, the estate at Ormesby Hall has recently been brought into the same property group as Rievaulx Terrace and Nunnington Hall. The National Trust website describes it thus: “This classic Georgian mansion is surrounded by 240 acres of parkland and farmland, which offer year round seasonal walks with a colourful Victorian formal garden accompanying the mansion.” To find out more about the property (including general directions to the main car park), visit the NT website at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/ormesby-hall.
As with Beningbrough Hall, we are likely to be working in the parkland, rather than the formal garden. To take part in our first task at this property contact Stephen, who will also have details of where we should park and meet the ranger.
9th & 10th November —WEEKEND TASK— Cragside, nr Rothbury, Northumberland
Our annual trip to Cragside in Northumberland, famous for its pioneering Victorian hydro-electric scheme. Rhododendron clearance is often the order of the day here, or other work in the extensively wooded estate. Join us for both days, or come for just one day. Please arrange your own accommodation in the Rothbury area; we will be meeting up for a meal together in a local pub on the Saturday evening. Contact Pete if you’d like to join us on the task and to book a place at the meal. Note – the house will not be open, however the shop and tea-room are open on both days.
Sunday 24th November — TASK — Rievaulx Terrace, nr Helmsley
The Terrace was constructed in 1758 to give a view of the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in the valley of the River Rye below. The property also covers much of the woodland on the valley sides; autumn tasks here often are in the woods. To join us contact Stephen.
Saturday 30th November, 2pm — COMMITTEE MEETING — David & Jean’s, Ilkley
A combined social (tea and cake) and business event to plan the programme for the winter and spring months. Everyone welcome. Please contact David and Jean to let them know you are coming and for directions. Afternoon meeting – 2pm start.
Sunday 15th December — TASK & CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION — Brimham Rocks
Our traditional Christmas visit to Brimham, with a morning task followed by a shared (Christmas-themed) buffet and plenty of festive cheer. Fingers crossed for a frosty, sunny day. Contact Steve for more details if you’d like to come along.
Wednesday 1st January 2025 — NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK — Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
FASR has now become the traditional venue for our New Year’s Day walk as we return this year. We meet at the visitor centre from around 10am for those that would like a tea/coffee or sustenance (the bacon butties can be recommended) before starting the walk at around 11am. Stephen will be leading us on a walk of around 6 miles (a couple of hours or so), through the deer park and into the surrounding countryside, ending back at the visitor centre (the exact route will be decided nearer to the day, weather and conditions dependent). Contact Stephen if you would like to join us.
Future tasks
The task calendar for 2025 is just being put together. Once it is available it will appear here.