July


Look skyward in July and you may spot one of the favourite bird species in the Yorkshire Dales, the peregrine falcon. For almost 20 years a breeding pair has nested at Malham Cove, a huge natural amphitheatre that wows visitors and is topped by out-of-this-world limestone pavement.


As the young peregrines prepare to fly the coop in summer you will be able to spot them through telescopes at the public viewpoint at the base of the Cove run by the RSPB and National Park Authority.


September


September is a fine month for walking, horse riding and mountain biking. Mild weather, fewer visitors and moorlands bursting with heather at the start of the month make it a perfect time to explore the many bridleways in the National Park.


Evening light and striking sunsets provide great photo opportunities and you’ll share the countryside with farmers who work long into the night harvesting their second cut of silage. Walling repairs to the famous drystone walls of the Yorkshire Dales are also underway.


November


Around now dormice go into hibernation. Along with hedgehogs and bats they are one of only three British mammals to do so. And as the nights become longer, humans are inclined to follow suit - sleeping, eating and seeking out good company by a roaring fire, locally-brewed beer in hand. It’s also a great time to stock up on autumnal fare at farmers markets - wild mushrooms, game, chestnuts, hazelnuts and preserves made from the hedgerow pickings could be on offer.


Farmers put the sheep bought at auction in October to work as tupping (mating) begins. The hundred-year-old Hawes Auction Mart is the only livestock market inside the National Park and a visit on sales day is great fun.


October


While the smell of wood burning stoves in stone cottages lingers in the air, the skies above come alive this month.


Trevor Wood


As evening draws in, keep an eye out overhead too for bats chasing moths for their supper. Join a bat walk for expert help spotting and identifying the different species (see event listing on pages 15 to 25).


August


Traditional agricultural shows such as Malham (25 August), Kilnsey (28 August) and Muker (5 September) have long been at the heart of local communities in the Yorkshire Dales. Many can trace their origins back over a century and have their own distinct traditions.


With activities such as fell racing, sheep and cattle judging, baking and hay bale competitions, silver and brass bands, walking stick carving and sheepdog trials, the day has always been a chance for isolated farming families to get together and share skills, knowledge and experience and for visitors to have a great family day out.


The shows also offer a welcome break from haymaking, an important summer task for


The lack of light pollution makes the National Park a great place for stargazing. At points between dusk and dawn you can spot Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Venus, and the annual Orionid meteor shower can be stunning.


As the bright sun rises, the autumnal shades of the trees are illuminated, and blazing colours draw your attention to previously unnoticed corners.


farmers as they think ahead to feeding their animals through winter.


December


While towns and cities bustle with Christmas traffic, it’s an ideal time to escape to the country. Why not jump on the train and take one of the world’s best train journeys along the historic Settle-Carlisle line.


Travelling through the Three Peaks, over Ribblehead Viaduct and past the highest mainline station in England at Dent, you might get the chance to take it easy, but work continues in the National Park. Hedgelaying is always carried out in the winter months whilst "the sap is down" and tree planting begins as they are less likely to get damaged in the dormant winter months. Rangers hurry to finish path repairs before the worst of the winter weather sets in.


Visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park online at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk Page 7


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