THE Friends of Ilkley Moor have published their 2022 Events and Learning Programme which includes guided walks, fun activities and informative events that are free for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s events start on May 21st with a guided walk on White Wells Moorland and will run through to September, with monthly events covering everything from heritage walks and archaeology events to a twilight bat evening and a walk to discover the birds of Ilkley Moor.

They are all led by experienced and knowledgeable leaders and have been developed to offer a mix of events and differing levels of walking grades, some of which are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The programme includes some fun school holiday events and is intended to appeal to both those looking for gentle strolls on the lower slopes and those who want more strenuous walks climbing to higher altitudes that offer some great views over Ilkley and Wharfedale.

As in previous years the events programmes can be found at various locations in town. In addition, full details can be found on The Friends website on www.ilkleymoor.org

All events are free and available to anyone who wants to discover what Ilkley Moor can offer. Booking will be required in advance so that numbers can be managed, by contacting Tracy Gray, Project Manager: tracy@ilkleymoor.org

The Friends of Ilkley Moor will be holding their AGM on Friday May 6th at the Clarke Foley Centre, starting at 7.30pm. This year a presentation will be given by Professor Rick Battarbee on ‘Wastewater in the Wharfe’. This will focus on the findings of the Ilkley Clean River Group's citizen-based project to monitor the levels of bacteria in the river, to identify the health risks they present.

Rick Battarbee is Emeritus Professor of Environmental Change at University College, London. He is a member of the Ilkley Clean River Group and was instrumental in setting up the citizen science project to measure water pollution along the whole length of the River Wharfe, from Otterburn to The Ouse.

His work, and the work of the citizen scientists, has given the Ilkley Clean River Group the evidence with which to challenge the assertions made by Yorkshire Water about the water quality of The Wharfe. The fact that the Ilkley Clean River Group is backed by good science has enabled them to become one of the foremost campaigning groups in the country against sewage pollution in rivers.