Swallowholme hedge laying
Calling all photographers…
The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) and The Garden Rooms at Tennants are inviting photographers of all levels to explore the Yorkshire Dales and share images that showcase its breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and character. 35 finalists will have their pictures displayed in Tennants, Leyburn with 12 pictures chosen for the YDMT calendar. The winner also gets a £100 photographic voucher and a hamper. The competition runs until April 2026; more details on Tennants website.
The Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust (YDRT) is also looking for photographs showcasing Dales rivers and wildlife, taken over the winter season. Selected photographs will be displayed at the Rivers4Life summer exhibition taking place at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes from 6th June to 6th September 2026, and in a future YDRT calendar. The competition runs until 5th March; more details on the YDRT website.
Time to flick a hazel catkin?
The Woodland Trust is looking for help with its citizen science phenology project: Nature’s Calendar. Phenology is the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year, such as the flowering of plants, emergence of insects or migration of birds; and this year they’re concentrating on Hazel.
With 2.9 million records going back decades, it is possible to see how events such as the flowering of hazel catkins have taken place earlier each year, with a significant advancement of this event between 1999 and 2024. You are asked to keep an eye on a hazel tree or hedge and record the date when the catkins are open enough to see the pollen inside. If you flick a catkin and see pollen released into the air, then it’s ready for recording! Find out more on the Woodland Trust website
North Yorkshire Council rated A- for climate and environmental performance
North Yorkshire Council has received an A- rating from the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project). This is an improvement from 2024’s score of a B and shows the progress the Council has made in the last year, particularly around work on adaptation. CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is a global non-profit organisation that helps local authorities assess their environmental impact. It collects data across five areas: governance, assessment, targets, planning, and actions. Source: North Yorkshire Council: Climate Change Newsletter, January 2026
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust launches ambitious 30 by 30 plan
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) has launched an ambitious plan to encourage landowners, communities and organisations to meet the UK’s 30 by 30 target in Yorkshire (securing 30% of land for nature by 2030). The science shows that if 30% of our land, water and seas were positively managed for nature, it would help halt or even reverse biodiversity decline. Read details of the full YWT plan here.
Government clueless of cost to nationalise water companies
River campaigners have expressed their shock at discovering that the Government has no idea how much it would cost to nationalise water companies. The discovery came thanks to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Ilkley Clean River Group. The group has been campaigning on this issue for a long time and became the first group to achieve Designated Bathing Water Status for an inland waterway when the River Wharfe was granted the status back in 2021. Read more about this, plus other local environmental news on the Northern Eco website
Justice for birds of prey: Free online webinars with Friends of the Dales
Friends of the Dales has spent more than four decades campaigning on the big issues affecting the Yorkshire Dales. Its latest campaign, ‘Eyes on the Skies’ is no different, speaking out against the ongoing criminal persecution of birds of prey, a barbaric practice that continues, despite these majestic species having been protected in law for over 70 years. To learn more about justice for birds of prey, sign up for one or both of the charity’s next two free online talks:
Saving Our Precious Sky Dancers – with Indy Kiemel Greene (Springwatch) & Adrian Rowe (Hen Harrier Action), Wednesday 18 February, 5.30-7pm
Learn more about the iconic, red-listed hen harrier: how to recognise it, its key behaviours, and why it’s a vital indicator of upland ecosystem health. Also learn how satellite tagging helps monitor raptors and exposes illegal persecution.
Talking Raptor Persecution with Dr Ruth Tingay (Wild Justice), Wednesday 18 March, 5.30-7pm
Hear from wildlife conservationist Dr Ruth Tingay, who has worked in the field of raptor research and conservation for more than 30 years. A former President of the international Raptor Research Foundation, Ruth now focuses on campaigning against the illegal killing of birds of prey in the UK through the blog Raptor Persecution UK. She is also a co-director of the hard-hitting wildlife conservation organisation Wild Justice with Chris Packham.
You can book for one or both of these free talks here.
Upcoming local events
Sapling Natural Protection with Youngwilders, Castle Howard, Sat 31st January
Aged 18-30 and want to get hands on with nature restoration? Join the Youngwilders group at Castle Howard on Sat 31st January to build natural protection structures around newly planted saplings. More details and sign up info here.
Discover the hidden worlds of Upper Swaledale, Keld Heritage Centre, Sun 8th & Sun 15th March
Join local experts Sue and Les Knight on two of their ever-popular afternoon talks and short guided walks in March, exploring the fascinating world of: MOSSES – Sunday 8 March and LICHENS – Sunday 15 March, 1-4 pm. Each event begins with an introductory session in the Visitor Centre, followed by an easy local walk (approx. 1 mile) to identify and study specimens in the field. £8 per person. More info and booking here.
Tree planting & woodland maintenance with Sustainable Swaledale, 8th & 11th Feb
…And don’t forget, there’s still time to join us at one of our winter volunteer days in February. View availability and sign up here.
‘We get stuff done’
If you’ve ever wanted to find out more about the work of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), then spare a couple of minutes to watch their lovely video, ‘We get stuff done.’ The video has been entered into the Smiley Charity Film Awards, so you might also like to cast a vote while you’re there: Sustainable Swaledale couldn’t exist without their support…
Group Meeting
The next group meeting is on Thursday 5th February, 7pm at Reeth Memorial Hall, and will double up as the Sustainable Swaledale AGM. It would be great to see as many members as possible there, to share reflections on the past 12 months and hear your thoughts for the year ahead.