Mini Beast Hunting, Pond Dipping and Geocaching are just some of the family events that are taking place in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) over the coming months.

A whole range of events are planned for the summer and the programme includes something for everyone! There are family events such as bird box making and mammal trapping, guided walks looking at the wildlife, geology and history of the AONB, land management events and practical events such as fence building.

• Wednesday 24th June - Managing a Smallholding – Near Pateley Bridge - 6.30pm–8.30pm. Join Marian Wilby, Farm Conservation Advisor, to find out all about managing a smallholding. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Sunday 28th June - Mini Beast Hunt – Lime Tree Farm, Grewelthorpe - 2pm–4pm. A family minibeast discovery hunt with Teresa and Robert Marshall of Harrogate Naturalists' Wildlife Watch. Equipment and instruction provided. Wildlife to be released unharmed after close inspection/study with magnifiers. Cost: £2 per child. Accompanying adults free.
• Saturday 4th July - Young Rangers Family Challenge Day – Lime Tree Farm, Grewelthorpe - 11am–3pm. Would you like to challenge the family, see the kids stuck on shark infested islands, watch mum detonating a bomb and dad trying to tie a proper knot! Not only will you have to work as a team, you’ll be challenged in four different areas, physical, mental, mystery and skill – and the best bit - it’s all FREE! No need to book.
• Saturday 4th July - Forgotten Industries – Low Laithe, near Pateley Bridge – 10.10am–1pm. A 3 mile guided walk, from Low Laithe to Smelthouses to explore our Industrial Heritage. Led by members of the Hartwith Industrial Heritage Project. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Wednesday 8th July - Wildflower Walk – Lofthouse, near Pateley Bridge - 6.30pm–8.30pm. Join Marian Wilby on this short, guided walk in search of beautiful wild flowers in Upper Nidderdale. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Saturday 18th July - The Wonderful World of Dragonflies - Near Blubberhouses – 12.30pm–3.30pm. Join AONB Ranger Colin Slator on this guided tour around a Site of Importance for Dragonflies. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Sunday 19th July - Rock Art Walk - Pateley Bridge - 1pm–4pm
• Join expert Dr Keith Boughey on this fascinating walk to find hidden prehistoric carvings in Nidderdale. A moderate 3 mile walk in two parts - they need to be connected by a brief car journey. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Wednesday 22nd July - Historic Parks & Gardens of Pateley Bridge & Bewerley – 10.30am-1.30pm. Join members of the Historic Parks and Gardens group on this tour around Pateley Bridge & Bewerley. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Sunday 26th July - Bewerley Industrial Heritage Trail (Eastern Area) – Pateley Bridge - 1.30pm–5pm. Explore the eastern part of the Bewerley Industrial Heritage Trail. Visit Toft Gate Lime Kiln and Coldstones Quarry viewing area; enjoy stunning views of Nidderdale and, hopefully some local wildlife. A moderate 5.5mile (9km) walk with some steep ascents and descents. Crosses rough, boggy ground and fields containing livestock. Dogs on short leads allowed. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free.
• Tuesday 28th July - Small Mammal Trapping - Greenhow - 9am–11am. Join AONB Ranger Colin Slator to discover the wildlife that can be found in the AONB. Cost: £2 per child. Accompanying adults free. BOOKING ESSENTIAL
• Thursday 30th July - Introduction to Geocaching – Near Harrogate - 10am-1.30pm. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game where the basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, along a walking route using a GPS receiver. Each geocache contains a series of gifts that may be swapped with a gift of your own. Geocaching is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages so come along and have a go! You will need a packed lunch, small gifts to exchange for something in the cache and a GPS receiver if you have one. Cost: £3 per adult. Under 16’s free. BOOKING ESSENTIAL

If you would like to book places on events or get some more information about the full programme log on to www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk, ring the AONB Office on 01423 712950, or email nidderdaleaonb@harrogate.gov.uk