Special events to show off the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are being held over the spring and summer.

The programme which includes pond dipping, wildlife watch sessions, den building and foraging, runs from March to August and is designed to help people explore and appreciate the area which stretches from Ripon and Masham to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and south to the River Wharfe.

Leanne Fox, AONB Information Officer, said: “2015 looks set to be another great year with loads of interesting events planned. We have some of the old favourites in the programme again, like our Rock Art walk and our Gouthwaite Farm walk, but also have some new events, including an opportunity to hopefully see the elusive Black Grouse, recently re-introduced to Upper Nidderdale, and a ‘Wild Stuff’ session especially for 11 to 16 year olds which should be great fun.”

Sessions are family friendly, with special events for children and teenagers. There are also guided walks which include information about the geology, wildlife and wildflowers of the area. For information go to the AONB website at www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/Pages/Events.aspx events can be booked online at www.nidderdaleaonb.eventbrite.co.uk