NIDDERDALE Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has now launched its Events Programme for 2009 (April - October).

Events take place within the AONB and are designed to help both Visitors and Residents explore and appreciate the outstanding Nidderdale landscape.

The programme includes something for everyone! We have guided walks looking at the wildlife, geology, history and management of the AONB and special family events such as a Mini Beast Hunt, Pond Dipping, Make Your Own Bird Box and Wildlife Crafts. Or why not have a go at practical skills such as dry stone walling or building fences?

The full events programme can be found on our website: www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk and it will also be in the ‘Visit Nidderdale AONB 2009’ newspaper which will be available from late Spring in Tourist Information Centres and local tourist attractions.

Alternatively, for a copy of the events programme leaflet, please ring the AONB Office on 01423 712950, or email nidderdaleaonb@harrogate.gov.uk.

• The Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of Britain's finest landscapes. It covers 233 square miles (603 km2) of North Yorkshire. The central feature of the AONB is the long majestic dale of the Nidd, running from the wild fells around Great Whernside, south and east towards the Vale of York.
• Nidderdale is a working landscape that has evolved over centuries of human activity. The valley has been moulded by a rich land-use history that embraces agriculture, mining, quarrying, textiles and water supply. The varied landscape has created diverse habitats which support a wide range of flora and fauna of national and international importance. It is also a complex historic environment with a wealth of medieval landscape features still visible in the more recent legacy of the AONB's industrial past.
• Nidderdale was designated as An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the Government in 1994.