AS everyone rushes up the A65 and into the Yorkshire Dales, people are missing out on a local haven for nature, just on our doorstep - The Washburn Valley.

This beautiful tributary of the river Wharfe rises above Thruscross reservoir, near Stump Cross caverns and flows southeast to Leathley, near Otley where it feeds into the river Wharfe.

Peter Riley (President of the Wharfedale Naturalists) has been walking the Washburn almost every week for the past twenty-five years, observing, recording, and enjoying the wildlife, especially the birdlife.

Just 22km (13.5miles) long, it is more than just the four reservoirs built to supply Yorkshire with fresh water but contains a richly diverse mosaic of habitats - woodland, moorland, meadows, pasture, rivers, and streams. Which probably explains why it is a mecca for ornithologists. There are a wide range of resident birds, summer and winter visitors including pied flycatcher, redstart, crossbill, lapwing, curlew, skylark and many more.

Over the past twenty-five years Peter has been able to observe changes both beneficial and detrimental caused by humankind, land change, agriculture, and global warming. He has collated his extensive observations and is talking to the Wharfedale Naturalists on Tuesday 10th January. I am sure Peter’s talk will enthuse, entertain, and educate everyone as he takes us on a both a personal and wildlife journey.

Everyone is welcome, as Peter tells us about ‘Washburn Valley Birds as a barometer of environmental change’,

The talk takes place at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley, 7.30pm Tuesday 10th January. Members free, non-members £2.50 on the door.