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Nidd Gorge Local Heritage Initiative
Location: North Yorkshire
This project aims to conserve and increase local awareness of the natural and archaeological heritage within the Nidd Gorge, between Knaresborough and Harrogate. In partnership with the Ramblers, Woodland Trust, Town Council, Civic Society and a large number of small local groups and schools, the group aim to survey the local ecology and research and interpret a hillfort. In addition, they will improve access into and within the Gorge for able and less-able visitors by constructing paths and boardwalks. On completion, visitors will be able to learn about the area through on-site interpretation and printed guidance leaflets. Nidd Gorge is a prominent feature and is of considerable local interest, containing two SINCs, a listed building and an earthwork. The project will involve over 20 groups at various stages and will complement nearby work at by Bilton Historical Society.
Group Name |
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Bilton Conservation Group |
| Project Contact |
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Keith Wilkinson
keith@niddgorge.fsnet.co.uk
Tel: 01423 564708 |
| Address |
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5 Knox Chase Harrogate, North Yorkshire |
| Project Postcode |
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HG1 3HZ |
| Finishing Date |
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31 January 2005 |
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
Riverside and Milner’s Lane:
Visitors to the Nidd Gorge will have seen the extensive new boardwalks, bridgework and steps across the eroded sections of footpath which has been achieved by thousands of hours of voluntary effort. Members of the Bilton Conservation Group, Knox Valley Residents’ Association, Menwith Hill civilians, Knaresborough residents and many others have had a busy year. The task is on target but not yet complete. The improved access is attracting compliments from people who have been unable to enjoy the gorge for a long time, which is very encouraging. We are grateful to Yorkshire Water for a donation of recycled timber, Harrogate Borough Council for old railway sleepers from the former Dragon Junction shunting line and a promise of green oak benches from the Woodland Trust.
Gates Hill, Scotton Banks:
The third phase of the archaeological survey of Gates Hill is complete and reports have been received containing recommendations for the future conservation and interpretation of the Iron Age hill fort site. A volunteer has offered his professional expertise to provide an artistic intgerpretation of the original site.
Mackintosh Park and Conyngham Hall area:
A team of volunteers is emerging from Knaresborough to tackle work in Mackintosh Park (‘Toffee Park’) in the autumn of 2003/Spring 2004.
Interpretative Boards, Sinage and Leaflets:
Work on these aspects of the project will continue throughout the autumn and winter in time for publication in 2004.
Local Schools and the Nidd Gorge
New Park Primary School and Granby High School have both been active in the Nidd Gorge Conservation Area this year. Field trips through New Park, over Knox Hill to Spruisty Pack Horse Bridge and the ford took place on three separate days in the summer when we sampled minibeasts living in the fields (including beetles, spiders, centipedes and one very surprised hedgehog!) and counted the fish species living in the Oak Beck. The weather was kind to us and we sampled sticklebacks, stone loach, minnows and bullheads, which were all returned to the stream unharmed.
Students from Granby High School had three full days sampling invertebrates living on the bed of the River Nidd (pea mussel, river limpet, leeches, water beetles, freshwater shrimps, horsehair worms, stone fly, caddis fly and mayfly larvae and so on) and exploring the site of Iron Age hill fort on Scotton Banks. Part of the day was spent destroying patches of the invasive Himalayan Balsam, which threatens to shade out smaller indigenous plants along the riverbanks.
Partnerships:
Ramblers Association, Knaresborough Civic Society, Army Foundation College, Harrogate College Students, four primary schools, Harrogate Scouts/Cubs/Brownies/Guides, Knaresborough Scouts, Harrogate Centre for Disabled (Starbeck). |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: 22,295
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