SUMMER is here and the lure of the great outdoors is once again encouraging people to take to the highways and byways.

In the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire that means the local cultural services unit is preparing for a busy season.

Staff are now distributing the 2003 issue of the Wild About Ryedale programme, a mixture of walks, talks, join-in events, tours and hands-on activities organised by the district council, Forest Enterprise, National Park Authority and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The speakers and event leaders are local experts and, wherever possible, the activities are free or as low cost as possible.

The first event this year, on Thursday next week at 6.30pm, is a tour of the Sustainable Farm Company in Eddlethorpe.

Later, there are birdwatching events, a badger hide visit, "Rock around Ryedale" walks, period cookery, and seed gathering.

Copies of the leaflet are available from libraries, tourist information centres, and from Gail Stephenson at Ryedale House, Malton, YO17 0HH. Telephone (01653) 600666 ext 314.