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.
January – April 2025
Wednesday 1st January — NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK
As previewed in the Autumn Programme, our New Year’s Day walk will be at the now-traditional venue of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. We will meet at the visitor centre from around 10am for those who 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.
Sunday 12th January — TASK — Nostell Priory
Our first task of 2025 is at Nostell Priory. At this time of year, woodland work in the extensive parkland is often the order of the day. To come along, contact Steve.
Sunday 26th January — TASK — Brimham Rocks
With its remarkable rock formations and views far along Nidderdale, a task at this moorland property is definitely good for the soul – especially with a crisp frost and sunshine to help the work along. At this time of year, the work could be birch removal, maybe with a bonfire to warm us up. Contact Andy if you’d like to join us.
Sunday 9th February — TASK — Nunnington Hall
Our annual visit to Nunnington Hall in Ryedale. The grounds at this property are small in area but very varied and there is often a range of jobs on offer. The task may involve general tidying work, or construction in preparation for the new season; path maintenance is often needed. Contact Stephen to come along.
Friday 21st February — MEAL — The Inn at Scarcroft (formerly The New Inn) 6.30pm start.
A cosy pub meal in good company to warm us up in the depths of winter. We shall be visiting The Inn at Scarcroft (formerly the New Inn) for our meal out in this programme. To book your seat at the table, please contact Pete. More information on the venue, for directions and a menu.
Sunday 23th February — TASK — East Riddlesden Hall
Another of our smaller properties, but there is always plenty needing to be done at this time of year. Come along and help finish off the winter’s work and prepare the grounds for the new season. Please contact Helen if you’d like to join us.
Sunday 9th March — TASK — Malham Tarn Estate
In March in the upper Dales, we could see snow or the first shoots of spring. Stretching from the high moorland to the Tarn itself and on towards the village below, the property encompasses farmland, woodland, a wetland nature reserve and even a walled garden. The work here is very varied, although will be weather-dependent (fingers crossed for a frosty, sunny day). To join us contact Jude.
Sunday 23rd March — TASK — Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall has extensive gardens and also parkland going down to the River Ouse; we may be working in either area. There is sure to be plenty to do, usually including some lighter jobs. The spring bulbs display should be at its best now. Contact Geoff and Margaret if you’d like join us.
Sunday 30th March — WALK — Conistone, Wharfedale (rescheduled from 8th September 2024)
[British Summertime begins today, so remember to put your clocks forward to be sure of making the start of the walk!]
Unfortunately, bad weather forced the cancellation of Sylvia’s walk last September. Fingers crossed for a good day in early Spring.
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 6th April — TASK — Upper Wharfedale Estate
As the name suggests, this is another extensive upper Dales property, with very varied landscapes stretching up the valley, including river bank, woodland and high moorland. The scenery is magnificent and the work invigorating. Contact Sue if you’d come along.
26th – 27th April — WEEKEND TASK — Borrowdale (Northern Lakes)
Exchanging the rivers of the Yorkshire Dales for the lake of Derwentwater, we pay our annual weekend visit to Borrowdale. Possibly our largest property, including lake shore, fellsides and extensive woodland. The oak woodland around the lake and up the valley was declared a National Nature Reserve in May 2024. To quote the National Trust website, “The Borrowdale Oakwoods are one of England’s largest remaining pieces of temperate rainforest” and “are important carbon stores and home to a rich variety of specialised animals, plants and fungi” (More information on the Oakwoods, go to Borrowdale National Nature Reserve | National Trust). Book your own accommodation in the area and join us either for the full weekend or for the day on Saturday. Contact Steve for more details and to put your name down to take part.
Future tasks
- May 11th – Nostell Priory
- June 1st – Hardcastle Crags
- June 15th – East Riddlesden Hall
- June 29th – Brimham Rocks
- July 20th – Hardcastle Crags
- August 3rd – Malham Tarn Estate
- August 17th or 31st – TBC
- September 14th – East Riddlesden Hall
- September 28th – Brimham Rocks
- October 12th – Ormesby Hall
- October 26th – Upper Wharfedale
- November 8th & 9th – Cragside Estate, Northumberland
- November 23rd – Rievaulx Terrace
- December 14th – Brimham Rocks
Full details of future tasks will be provided in the next programme.