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  • The Friends launch their 2013 Events Programme

    The first Events start this weekend, Saturday 11th, 2pm-4pm. First, there's a Celebration Event to mark the award of £50,000 funding from WREN. Refreshments will be provided and children’s activities will be part of the afternoon. Meeting point Darwin Gardens car park.

    On Sunday 9am -11am a guided walk to the Twelve Apostles stone circle to discover the "Birds of the High Moor" lead by a member of Wharfedale Naturalist Society meeting point White Wells car park.

    Also on Sunday, from 2pm-4pm, a family walk to discover the Frogs and Toads of the Low Moor. Meeting point Darwin Gardens car park.

    Tuesday 14th, Improvement to Footpaths Activity from 10am meeting point Darwin Gardens car park.

    Sunday the 26th, Heritage Walk "White Wells Moorland", 2pm-4pm. This walk takes you from the edge of town on to the high moor with wide views across Ilkley and the Wharfe Valley. Meeting point Darwin Gardens car park.

    Tuesday 28th at 10am, Improvements to Footpaths Activity. Meeting point Darwin Gardens car park.

    More details of all these events can be obtained from our Events & Learning Programme.

    Members are encouraged to participate in these Events & bring along friends and family.

     

    • Press Release

      John Stidworthy elected as new Chair of FoIM

      John Stidworthy was elected as Chair at the 2013 AGM in April. After university John worked at the London Zoo for 10 years giving talks and tours to parties from schools and colleges.

      Subsequently he worked at the Natural History Museum first as a lecturer, then becoming involved in designing museum exhibits. After 10 years at the museum, his wife went back to work and he became a househusband. Both his young sons survived his cooking.

      Over the years he has written more than thirty books on natural history, most aimed at children. In Buckinghamshire he was chair of governors at three primary schools. He and his wife Sue moved to Ilkley in 2010 to be near their grandchildren and enjoy the countryside.

    • Owen Wells retires as Chairman of FoIM

      At the 2013 AGM, Owen Wells stood down as Chair of FoIM after 5 years. He is to continue as an active committee member and volunteer.

      Roger Gook (Secretary of the Friends) gave a vote of thanks to Owen Wells. On behalf of the members and committee he said “ Owen’s passion for the moor was one of the main factors in setting up the Friends five years ago. From those early days his enthusiasm and energy have played a large part in getting us where we are today.

      From the start he recognised the conflicting principles that needed to be followed – the conservation of the moor and its flora and fauna, and the need for access and education for visitors. He also recognised the need to work with all the different bodies who had an interest in the moor. He has been particularly effective in working with the landowners – Bradford Council, and has built up a strong relationship with Richard Perham and Danny Jackson – the two council officers responsible for the moor.”

      Said Richard Perham “ I had already worked with Owen for several years as a volunteer. When he became Chair, apart from planning projects, it did not stop him joining work parties most weeks – digging ditches and renovating footpaths. He has been of great support to me, as has the whole committee, which I think is populated by a group of fantastic and capable people.”

      Tracy Gray FOIM Project Officer said “It has been a great privilege for me to have known and worked with Owen – to be inspired by his love and passion for Ilkley Moor and to work along side him in improving the moors heritage”.

       

     

    Video Introduction to the Friends of Ilkley Moor

    • The Management of Ilkley Moor

      The management of Ilkley Moor works to a plan and is not arbitrary. Management prescriptions are determined by the Joint Nature Conservation Council and enforced by Natural England (the government’s advisors on nature conservation in England). NE sends all SSSI owners and occupiers a statement of what the ideal management should be.

      Click here for a more detailed explanation

       

    • Next Volunteer Day: 15th January 2013

      Ilkley Moor Volunteer Days - help us to maintain a unique environment...

      Come along and help us maintain the unique ecological interest of the heathland.

      Click here for details...