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Holmedale Nature Network

Background

The Holmedale valley is a pre-glacial landscape feature to the south of the A66 west of Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire. The Holmedale Nature Network (HNN) began early in 2023 following a public meeting involving residents from Whashton, Ravensworth, Kirby Hill, Gayles, Dalton, Newsham and Barningham. The aim of the HNN is to improve the natural environment and create more bio-diverse habitats for flora and fauna. A steering committee was then formed, consultations with local communities were undertaken and an initial 5-year project concept was developed. Subsequently a group of Trustees was formed to further develop the Strategy for HNN and extend to include Gilling West and Skeeby. In order to apply for grants to deliver our objectives the HNN became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the details cabe found through this link….. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5257540

Who we are

'our mission is to restore, conserve and improve the natural environment in Holmedale.'

Who we are... our group has expanded such that we now include all of the parishes from Barningham to Skeeby along a shared watercourse that runs into the Swale. Our contacts in each parish are shown below. Please feel free to approach your Parish representative with matters regarding the project or email holmedalenaturenetwork@gmail.com.

Skeeby: Nadine Dudman

Gilling West: Ken Rostron, Stefan Ivanovic

Aske: Kathryn Hall

Whashton: Janet Clipsham, Ian Mains *, John Moore*

Ravensworth: Ken Bell, Matthew Usher

Kirby Hill: Ian Marshall

Gayles: Linda Goulbourne

Dalton: Sue Farr

Newsham: Nicky Oakes, Alison Brown, Anne* & Edmund Baker*

Barningham: Martha McBarron*, Suzy Wilson

*Trustees

Strategy

The HNN issued a Strategy Review in January 2025 and this gives a comprehensive overview of the Network and details of the 5 year plan.

Upcoming activities and events 2025

February-

B-Lines and managing gardens and community green spaces for invertebrates, a talk by Rachel Richards, Buglife,
Dalton & Gayles Village Hall, Monday 17th February, 7:30pm.

Birdsong Workshop, led by Andrew Lapworth, Barningham Village Hall, Tuesday 25th February, 10:30am-12:30pm

(suitable for 12+) Tree & hedge planing volunteer sessions

March-

Helping Hedgehogs, a talk by Nicki Lancaster, Newsham Village Hall, 3rd March, 7:30pm.

Tree & hedge planing volunteer sessions.

April-

HNN Film Night – Wilding, a film about the rewilding of the Knepp Castle Estate, Barningham Village Hall,
Friday 11th April, 7:30pm.

Great UK Water Blitz, testing for nitrates & phosphates at 20 sites on Holmedale watercourses, 25-28th April

May-

Himalayan Balsam mapping & pulling volunteer sessions

June-

talk tbc, Field trip to Heggs Castle Renaturing Project in Arkengarthdale with a picnic, Saturday 14th June, 10:30am – 1:30pm

Himalayan Balsam mapping & pulling volunteer sessions

July-

Family Nature Activity, Catherine Mason, Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, Dalton & Gayles Village Hall, Tuesday 29th July, 10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm sessions

Himalayan Balsam mapping & pulling volunteer sessions

August-

Himalayan Balsam mapping & final pulling volunteer sessions

September -

Ecology topic, a talk by Hannah Baker, Newsham Village Hall, Monday 8th September, 7:30 pm

Great UK Water Blitz, testing for nitrates & phosphates at 20 sites on Holmedale watercourses

October-

Healthy Hedgerows, a talk by a Durham County Council Tree Officer, Barningham Village Hall, 7:30 pm

Building hedgehog boxes, workshop with Edmund Baker, Saturday 11th October, Ravensworth Village Hall

November-

Nature Connectedness, a talk by Lizzie Rumble, Dalton & Gayles Village Hall, 7:30pm

Tree & hedge planting site maintenance volunteer sessions