A FUN, informative and practical month of events, organised by the Friends of Ilkley Moor, took place on Ilkley Moor in August.

The Friends of Ilkley Moor led a guided walk from Audley Clevedon retirement village in Ben Rhydding, up onto the lower slopes of Ilkley Moor and back. This walk was open to the general public and was led by an ecologist.

People learnt about the different habitats of grassland, woodland, heathland and blanket bog, and the plants and animals which are characteristic of these habitats. They learnt about conservation and management of these habitats at a local level and how this ties in with global and regional conservation strategies. People also learnt about the decline of the biodiversity of these habitats and some of conservation projects which are happening regionally to address this decline in biodiversity.

Two family events for young people took place (one suitable for wheel-chairs and push chairs) where they discovered the different habitats on the moor: the woodlands, heathland, streams and tarns, and the animals, insects and plants which live there. Animal tracking and pond dipping were part of this event. Wetland plants within and around the tarns were identified and recorded; as well as amphibians and invertebrates found in the tarn. People also learnt how to survey for mammals using tracks and signs.

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

An archaeology walk took place, led by Alex Gibson. This strenuous walk started from the Cow and Calf Rocks car park with an uphill climb to the Twelve Apostle stone circle, taking in the enclosure and several cup and ring marked rocks. A very informative event, enjoyed by everyone who attended.

More practical conservation days in habitat management took place in August, where participants helped manage and conserve the habitats of Ilkley Moor.

FOIM 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.”

Anybody who is interested in the project please contact Tracy Gray, FOIM Project Officer on 07780535860 or tracy@ilkleymoor.org