News

Our sister project, the Otley Swift Watch featured in the Yorkshire Post supplement Rural Life. Click on the article on the left to read in full, it's fantastic coverage for our beloved Otley swifts.

Even though increased activity by wildlife is normal in springtime it appears that people are seeing birds, animals, bees, butterflies, insects and wildflowers where they haven’t been seen before, even in their own gardens.

For the full story see https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/18408218.enjoying-lockdown---wharfedales-wild-animals/

This year we are working hard to encourage everyone in town to pledge to help wildlife! We have ideas for individuals and families, businesses, community groups and schools. And, if you are already helping Otley's wildlife, please let us know what you're doing on social media by using #mywildlifepledge.

One family in Otley, the Barracloughs, are forging ahead by working through our suggested 'Individual and Family' pledge ideas.

They are the proud builders of the 5-star bug hotel, Bug'ingham Palace!

Check out more of their inspirational work #mywildlifepledge.

Rob Tindall of Co-Op Funeral Care in Otley has been leading by example for businesses. He has completed eight of our suggested pledge ideas for businesses already. Look at this lovely wildlife friendly pond!

Take a look at his good work #mywildlifepledge

A perfect way to pledge is to sign up and become part of the hedgehog highway. We are collaborating with Otley's Maker Space to make it even easier for local people to help our hedgehogs. If you want to connect your garden to the highway, contact us and someone will come and make a passage for you!

For more information, see Pledge 8.

We now have a presence by the river in Wharfemeadows Park in the form of a banner. The banner aims to inform people and families feeding the ducks and swans about what is good for them to eat.

Special duck and swan food is sold at Dodgshons, Parkgate Cafe and Petwise.

We won the Best Dressed Christmas Tree accolade at last year's Christmas Tree Festival! Thank you to everyone who donated so generously and voted for us. Also, a special thank you to Sue Colman for creating the best decorations at the festival.

Bondgate Bakery, makers of delicious baked goods, commissioned local artist Jane Tribillon (creator of the many fabulous shop window artworks around Otley) to paint this fantastic homage to our good work. For more examples of her art, see jennytribillon.com

Thanks for your support!

Our first ever social event was held on Saturday 29th February and was a great success. We filled the upstairs room at the Horse & Farrier with chatter about wildlife in Otley - taking a break only to munch on a slice of pizza or sip a drink. If you missed it, don't worry, we will be hosting another event in the near future.

On 12th December last year, the fantastic C J Smith Band and Stolen Bows band donated their services to entertain a crowd in The Black Horse. It was the first event of this type for us and a great evening of fundraising!