THE Friends of Ilkley Moor have thanked all the youth and school groups who took part in their Nature for All Project in 2017.

Young people from the National Citizen Service - The Challenge Project, LS29 Group, Ashlands Primary School and local cub and scout groups took the opportunity to learn about the tarns and streams on the moor and the animals and plants which are part of these habitats.

They enjoyed pond dipping and, with the use of identification charts, learnt how to identify and record the species around them. Cub and scout groups went out at dusk with a bat detector to learn all about bats. Pupils from Ashlands Primary School learnt all about how the water cycle works on Ilkley Moor. The groups also learnt about how many of these species and habitats have declined over the years and conservation work which is being undertaken.

A spokesman for The Friends of Ilkley Moor said: "We were delighted to work with young people from the LS29 Group, as people with additional needs do not always have the opportunity to take part in events such as this on Ilkley Moor. The Friends of Ilkley Moor want to ensure the activities are fully inclusive and open to all of the local community. It was also great to work with youths from the Challenge Project, who with guidance from Tracy Gray, the FoIM Project Officer, had to plan their own event on Ilkley Moor and deliver this for youths from the LS29 group."

Individuals, community groups, organisations, schools, colleges or universities who would like to take part in the project in 2018 are asked to contact Tracy Gray, Ilkley Moor Project Officer, 07780535860, tracy@ilkleymoor.org and/or attend one of the training events available.

The FoIM’s Nature For All Project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The NCS Challenge Project is an opportunity for 15-17 year old to build skills for work and life while taking on new challenges and meeting new friends.

The LS29 group was founded in 2006 and is for families of children with additional needs. Their aim is to provide opportunities for the whole family to take part in activities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in, try new challenges, meet friends and develop a support network and of course, have fun.