THOUSANDS of floral lovers are expected to flock to an annual festival of wildflowers and nature which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

The Flowers of the Dales Festival brings together 110 events taking place from March to October, led by experts across the region.

The event is coordinated by local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Since its launch, over 37,000 people have taken part, and the YDMT has recruited over 50,000 supporters to date.

The festival highlights the special habitats of the Yorkshire Dales, from traditionally-managed hay meadows and ancient woodlands, to heather-clad moors and limestone pavements.

Visitors can gain an understanding of the careful management required to ensure the famous scenery can be enjoyed by wildlife and people in the future.

Over the coming weeks 15,000 copies of this year’s programme will be distributed across the region.

Leah Galloway, YDMT’s Flowers of the Dales project officer, said: “Here in the Yorkshire Dales, we’re very lucky to have such a rich and vibrant landscape on our doorstep, home to an array of native flora and fauna.

“This year’s festival celebrates it all, with events to suit all ages and interests. Choose from practical conservation and species identification days, guided walks, informative talks and family-friendly nature activities, as well as an exciting range of arts and crafts.”

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £1,626,332 for the YDMT to date, helping them to deliver projects worth more than £28m.

These projects cover areas as diverse as countryside apprenticeships, supporting local businesses, education and outreach, restoring woodlands and wildlife habitats, and conserving heritage features.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s a pleasure to support this annual festival, which celebrates all things wild and wonderful in the Yorkshire Dales.

“Each year thousands of people take part in an exciting collection of activities inspired by nature.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the Yorkshire Dales and perhaps learn something new.”

The free Flowers of the Dales Festival programme can also be downloaded from www.ydmt.org/festival-2018