Festival will celebrate Nidderdale’s vital moorland
A CELEBRATION of Nidderdale’s internationally important heather moorlands is set to take place next month.
Walks, talks and workshops will take place over three weeks from October 7, featuring a moorland management safari, an introduction to mountain biking, and foraging in the River Nidd. Bats and birds will also take centre stage at the Nidderdale Moorland Festival.
The event is being hosted by Nidderdale Landscape Partnership with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The partnership helps people to get involved in the historic landscapes, cultural heritage and wildlife habitats in the region.
Liz Milner, discovery and learning project officer at the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership, said: “Perhaps not everyone is aware that Upper Nidderdale is home to some of the finest heather moorlands in the country. They are internationally important for conservation because of their rich concentration of rare plants and wildlife. So if you just want to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty, meet like-minded nature lovers, or just be inspired this autumn, we look forward to welcoming you.”
The festival will feature experts, including ecologist and bat specialist, Dr Anna Berthinussen, and professional gundog trainer, Natasha Bujnock, who will offer visitors the chance to meet the dogs and puppies who work the moorland.
Dr Tim Thom, from the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, will explore the habitats of peatlands, and botanist Dr Judith Allinson will host a beginner’s guide to examining the walls and woodland lichens on a guided botanical walk. A photographic workshop will also take place.