PEOPLE have been finding out more about the history, geology and wildlife of Ilkley Moor.

The Friends of Ilkley Moor organised a busy weekend of practical activities, ranging from pond dipping to Nordic walking and conservation work, between Saturday, April 13 and Monday, April 15.

The first was the Cow and Calf heritage walk, where participants explored the famous rocks and learnt about the geology of the quarry, streams, a small gorge, a cup and ring stone and Rocky Valley.

Two events for young people (one suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs) were also held to help them discover the different habitats of the moor’s streams and tarns and the animals, insects and plants that live there.

The activities included animal tracking, pond dipping and identifying and recording the wetland plants within and around the tarns, along with their amphibians and invertebrates.

The group walked along the lower slopes of the moor and then across to a wetland area, climbing up to the stream and upper tarn close to White Wells Spa cottage, to be shown the plants and animals characteristic of the tarns, streams and surrounding habitat.

An impressive array of plants were discovered including heather, cross leaved heather, bilberry, cowberry, lichens, gorse, rowan, hazel, oak, goat willow, ash, and birch trees.

Water horsetail, yellow iris, soft rush and the grasses of Yorkshire fog, crested dogs tail, cocksfoot, sweet vernal grass and meadow grass were also recorded.

Species recorded at the tarn, meanwhile, included water snails, frog spawn and sticklebacks.

As well as exploring the upper tarn, the lower tarn and the streams one of the youth groups were shown the natural spring behind White Wells cottage and its famous plunge pool, and learnt about the history of Ilkley Moor as a spa town.

The young people also learnt about the importance of wildflowers for the conservation of bees and butterflies and they potted native wildflower seeds to take home, helping in the conservation of our native wildflowers and insects.

The Nordic Fitness Walk was led by Sabine Flugel and proved very popular. Aimed at improving fitness, Nordic walking involves using two poles in order to ensure that the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs.

The poles help to propel the walker along, too, to make the activity feel easier.

The Friends of Ilkley Moor also held further practical conservation days focused on habitat management. Reflecting on a successful April, Project Officer Tracy Gray said: “People had lots of fun on these events as well as helping to conserve Ilkley moor and learning about its wildlife.”

To find out more about the group and the activities it organises contact Tracy on 07780 535860, e-mail: tracy@ilkleymoor.org .