Wildbelt made an appearance as a Field Station at Knaresborough Forest Day on 13 August 2026. Wildbelt is a developing landscape framework connecting the Nidd, Crimple and Oak valleys around Harrogate. It brings together nature recovery, active travel, community stewardship, local food and culture within one long-term vision. At Forest Day, a large map introduced the wider landscape and provided a focus for conversation. Books, images, objects and project material helped peop

Around 50 residents, councillors, landowners and environmental specialists gathered at Pannal Village Hall this week to explore the creation of Crimple Common and a continuous greenway through the Crimple Valley. The initiative, known as Crimple Commons, aims to protect and restore the valley as a shared landscape for nature, climate resilience and public access. Early proposals include the creation of a new community common on land around Weston’s and Leeds Road, alongside h

George Eglese and Shan Oakes presented the Harrogate Wildbelt to the quarterly meeting of the Nidd Gorge Advisory Partnership at Harrogate Civic Centre on 3 April 2025. The partnership has worked to protect the Nidd Gorge and Bilton Fields since 1983. It was originally formed by Harrogate Borough Council with conservation groups, recreational interests, landowners and local representatives. Over four decades, it has provided a forum for balancing nature conservation, agricult

The group sets off into the Crimple Valley The sun was out as we set off into Crimple Valley, walking the land owned by North Yorkshire Council. A light breeze moved through the trees, carrying the hum of insects and the occasional burst of birdsong. It was the kind of day where nature seemed to lean in, inviting us to slow down, look closer, and listen. Crimple Valley sits due south of Harrogate, forming a natural boundary between the town and the historic village of Pannal.