Slow worm basking on the track at Heggs Farm
New Natural History GCSE aims to grow next generation of green careers
With the recent government announcement of a new Natural History GCSE, young people will soon be able to gain the knowledge and skills they need for future careers shaped by science, technology and environmental change.
The new qualification will see pupils study 3 core areas: habitats and wildlife in the UK, human influence on the natural world, and will include the study of climate change, biodiversity loss and conservation. It will also include time outside of the classroom for fieldwork giving them an opportunity to get their hands dirty and apply their knowledge and skills by studying real habitats in their local area.
The government is now seeking views from pupils, parents, teachers and the green industry in a 12-week consultation. You can have your say on the proposed subject matter here.
Rivers4Life exhibition now open at Dales Countryside Museum
Sponsored by the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust (YDRT), this family-friendly exhibition at Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes promises something to engage all ages, including interactive challenges, sound stations, inspiring films and photography, and fascinating river facts—all in celebration of the beautiful waterways of the Yorkshire Dales. Open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm until 27th September; £5 for adults, free for under 16s.
Yorkshire Rewilding Network Summer Sites Visits, July-September
Experience rewilding across Yorkshire with YRN’s popular summer site visit programme. There are still several visits remaining between July-September including guided walks at National Trust Malham Tarn on Saturday July 18th, Heggs-Castle Cluster in Arkengarthdale on Saturday July 25th, and East Keswick Wildlife Trust on Friday 21st August. Tickets are available by donation (£1 minimum) on Eventbrite.
Value of trees to be considered in new North Yorkshire Council plan
Plans to safeguard North Yorkshire’s trees and woodlands, while boosting the environment and people’s wellbeing, are set to be considered in a new countywide set of standards for managing trees and green spaces. North Yorkshire Council said its plan aimed to “support wildlife, tackle climate change and improve people’s quality of life”—recognising the “true value” of trees, not only as part of the landscape, but as vital to both environmental health and people’s wellbeing.
The plans include stronger protections for trees, clearer expectations for developers to retain hedgerows, and greater use of Tree Preservation Orders. Residents would also see more transparent processes for reporting concerns or requesting tree work.
If approved, the policy would introduce consistent standards across the county for the first time, replacing a mix of approaches that existed before the council was created in 2023. Read more here.
Call for volunteers for Reeth Arts Festival
The 4th annual Reeth Arts Festival will return to the show field next to Dorant 4×4 on Saturday 5th September, featuring more than 65 local artists, kids activities, food and drinks offerings, and a full musical line-up.
The organisers are looking for extra volunteers to help set up for the event at the following times: Friday 4th September, 1-3pm; Saturday 5th September, 7am-9am. If you can lend a hand on either day (mainly setting up gazebos/chairs/tables), please email reethartsfestival@yahoo.com.
Join us at the Richmond Walking and Books Festival next month
Sustainable Swaledale is hosting two walks as part of the 21st Richmond Walking and Books Festival, which runs from 18th-27th September 2026. Get hands on in our seed collection walk through Ivelet Woods, Muker on 25th September; or join us in Arkengarthdale on a guided walk through the Heggs-Castle Renaturing Project, and nearby Sustainable Swaledale planting sites, on 26th September. There is a huge range of events to explore across the two weeks, from author talks to themed walks around the Dales (including Swaledale). Find full details and book tickets here.
Ongoing projects update
-Potting on event
Sustainable Swaledale volunteers potted on hundreds of seedlings and cuttings as part of the Hazel Brow Farm National Meadows Day in July. Each autumn, we collect local seed and cuttings (with landowner permission) from ancient woodland in the two dales to preserve local strains. Now that they are in root trainers, these saplings will be kept in a tree nursery creche until they are big enough for planting out at sites in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale as part of our ongoing community tree planting project. We are grateful to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust for sponsoring the seed to sapling initiative, to Hazel Brow Farm for agreeing to host two nursery creches, and to the volunteers whose hard work makes it all possible.
-Himalayan Balsam removal
A number of Sustainable Swaledale volunteers, along with members of the Reeth and District Angling Club, were trained by a Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust volunteer recently to identify, map the presence of, and legally remove Himalayan Balsam from areas along the Swale. This invasive, non-native plant can spread rapidly without intervention and we hope to reduce its presence over the next few years.
-Woodland monitoring and assessment training
A group of Sustainable Swaledale volunteers have been trained by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to assess and monitor the condition of some of the 50 sites that have been planted across the two dales over the last 5 years. This will allow the group to identify future maintenance work and develop long-term woodland management plans with the aim of enhancing the wildlife and ecological value of the sites; creating richer, more diverse, and more resilient habitats.
These are all ongoing, volunteer-run projects so please get in touch by email (info@sustainableswaledale.org) if you are interested in learning more and/or lending a hand.
Hazel seedlings potted on into root trainers
Listen to Britain’s dawn chorus of 1976
As the symphony of birdsong known as the dawn chorus draws to its annual close at the end of June, the Guardian has recreated an audio landscape from across the past 50 years to try to portray the variety and plentitude of birdsong we have lost since tens of millions more birds were in full voice.
In the last 50 years, Britain has lost an astonishing 73 million wild birds from its landscape, according to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). “What we have is a shifting baseline,” said Dr Rob Robinson, a senior scientist at the BTO who researches wild bird populations. “People engaging in nature today are going to think the numbers they are seeing are normal, particularly children. But if you go back 50 years, they would have been able to experience a much richer environment.” Read the full article and listen to the recreated audio here.
RSPB research confirms Swifts are loyal to their nest sites
A 15-year study by the RSPB found that nine out of ten Swifts (94%) used the same nesting site as a previous year, confirming just how important it is that known breeding sites are maintained and protected. Historically, Swifts have made use of small crevices and holes in buildings to raise their chicks but new building methods have left them increasingly few spaces for nesting—a major contributing factor in their significant (70%) decline between 1995-2024. Full report here.
Want to do your bit? The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Homes for House Birds project is working to save Swifts (and other red-listed birds) across Swaledale. Find out more about their efforts and how you can help, here.
Our Generation is Green
Hawes Countryside Museum
Our Generation is Green
21-07-2026
An evocative 45-minute film following young people experiencing the Yorkshire Dales, sharing honest, hopeful reflections on climate and life.
Made by Willow, a filmmaker in her 20s and longtime member of Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s Environmental Youth Forum, this film captures a year in the life of the group. Supported by YDMT and the YDNP Sustainability Fund, it’s a raw, uplifting look at how long-term connection with nature can transform young people and inspire lasting change for the environment.
This is a FREE event. No booking required.
Film starts at 13:30 till 14:15
followed by
Q and A from 14:15 till 14:45
Group Meeting
The next group meeting is on Thursday 6th August, 7pm at The Vicarage, Reeth. A catch up on projects and plans for the Autumn/Winter.