Trees are an important part of the Ilkley Townscape yet they are often taken for granted. The more you learn about trees the more likely it is that you will begin to see them as old friends. My aim is to bring trees to the attention of more people and to report on trees that need our help.
During lockdown I have devised two tree trails in Ilkley, aimed at the general public. I had help from Bruce Brown in identifying the trees and checking the final draft. They are presented in 12 page A4 booklets and give identification tips, illustrated with photographs.
The first is called Introduction to Trees and Neil (my husband) and I published it in the form of a free booklet in the summer. It was very popular but is only suitable for use in summer so I started work on a second, called Trees in Winter. I have just finished this but due to COVID it is too difficult to publish and distribute it in paper form at the moment, so will only be available online. It works well if downloaded to a mobile phone or iPad, though we suggest downloading and printing off a copy of the map to carry round with you. Both trails start from the Manor House and go to East Holmes field and the Lido area.
The trails have been inspired by the Land and Nature group of Climate Action Ilkley which aims to encourage people to take an interest in the natural environment around them.
To download the trails please click on the following link:
https://ilkleytrees.org.uk/treetrails/