THE Friends of Ilkley Moor continued their programme of events in September with a heritage walk ‘Across Crawshaw Moss and Neolithic Sites’.

The four-mile walk started on the lower slopes and gradually climbed to the Twelve Apostles standing stones; continuing to the Trig Point at 1,281 feet - the highest point on Ilkley Moor - and returning down Keighley Road.

A strenuous walk of three hours, with uphill climbing, the walk uses rough moorland tracks and crosses boggy terrain. The group spent time taking in the whole landscape views from various resting points along the way; as well as discovering the archaeology of the moor and the heathland and peatland habitats. People learnt about the plants and wildlife which could be seen on the day and how Ilkley Moor is managed.

On September 7 a guided walk took place to discover the bats of the moor. Led by Andrew Milne and with the use of bat detectors both Common Pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bats were detected. Bats are flying mammals that feed exclusively on insects.

More practical conservation days in habitat management also took place in September, with volunteers helping to manage and conserve the habitats of Ilkley Moor and restore eroded footpaths.

Tracy Gray, FOIM project officer said: “Everyone had a great time on the events and said they look forward to attending more events from this year’s events and learning programme so they can discover more of Ilkley Moors amazing heritage.”

For a guide visit www.ilkleymoor.org or collect from the VIC or local shops.