THE annual celebration of the flora and fauna of the Yorkshire Dales is about to get underway, as the Flowers of the Dales Festival returns for its ninth year.

The Festival begins on March 1 and runs until the end of October, bringing together more than 120 events led by experts and enthusiasts in and around the National Park.

Coordinated by local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and sponsored by Parkfoot Holiday and Park Homes, the Festival showcases the region’s nationally and internationally important habitats which support many native species of wildflowers, insects, birds and mammals.

Project officer Leah Cardus said: “We are very lucky to have such a rich and vibrant landscape on our doorstep, home to an array of native species.

“Through the festival we aim to provide opportunities for people of all ages to explore the Yorkshire Dales and discover this for themselves.

“More than 33,000 people have taken part since the first festival in 2009 and I hope many more will be inspired to get involved this year.”

The free Flowers of the Dales Festival programme can be downloaded from ydmt.org/festival2017.

To receive a printed copy send an A5 stamped and self-addressed envelope to: Flowers of the Dales, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Main Street, Clapham, Via Lancaster, LA2 8DP.

Copies will also be available from National Park centres and other outlets across the Dales over the coming weeks and months.