CRAVEN people are being invited to take part in a series of free events and workshops at Broughton Sanctuary, near Skipton,  one of the largest nature recovery projects in the country.

Thanks to the support of grant funding from The White Rose Forest - the community forest for North and West Yorkshire, and which includes Broughton Sanctuary, the events are part of Broughton's mission to engage and excite people about its transformational nature recovery programme and wider wellbeing offering, while fostering a sense of togetherness.

The events, which are free and open to all, will take place in and around the 3,000 acre sanctuary, part of the Broughton Estate, from Saturday, March 2 and into the summer, and will include workshops in photography and willow weaving, a nature walk and fungi foraging. There will also be special activities to keep the kids entertained over the Easter holidays.

On Saturday, March 2, award winning photographer, Rich Bunce, will lead a nature photography workshop, and invite people to reconnect with the natural world and reimagine their surroundings through the camera lens.

Both novices and experts will be welcome at the 20-spot photographic exploration during which the British Wildlife Photography Awards-winning photographer, will share his wealth of knowledge and extensive experience, offering practical tips for the entire group and personalised guidance for individuals.

On Wednesday, March 27, during the Easter holiday, Joe Gregory will lead willow weaving workshops for adults and families The renowned willow basketry and sculpture teacher will lead a morning weaving session for adults, over 16 year olds; and an afternoon session for families, with children over five years old, focused on the rich folk history of the cornucopia weave. People will be able to spend time with loved ones and create their own charming willow bird seed feeder, which also doubles as a garlic holder for the kitchen.

Mark Cocker, one of Britain’s foremost naturalists and widely acclaimed author, returns to Broughton Sanctuary on July 6 to guide a group of 20 to 30 outdoor enthusiasts on a free nature walk exploring the intricate interconnections sustaining life – from the symbiotic relationships between fungi and trees to the vibrant ecosystems of plants, insects, birds, and entire landscapes.

People will be invited to enjoy the sanctuary’s newfound diversity and celebrate the discovery of its 1,000th species of flora and fauna, including a fascinating examination of a moth trap set the night before.

Future events include fungi foraging with a local mycologist as well as nature sessions with Broughton Sanctuary's nature recovery consultant, Professor Alastair Driver.

The events have been funded by the White Rose Forest through its Trees for Climate programme, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate fund. The White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire, and provides support and funding for woodland creation projects across the region as well as initiatives that bring people and nature closer together. Find out more at: www.whiteroseforest.org Last year, Broughton Sanctuary and its rewilding scheme was named as amongst the top 30 most exciting places to visit in 2024.

National Geographic's Cool List 2024 put Broughton Sanctuary in a list which also featured Pompeii in Italy; The UEFA European Championship in Germany; and Texas, in the United States. It was one of just five 'hot spots' in the UK to make the list which National Geographic said would be making the headlines in 2024.

Located within 3,000 acres of historic Broughton Estate, the sanctuary is one of the UK’s leading nature recovery projects with more than 350,000 trees planted in the last three years.

National Geographic Traveller commended the rewilding initiatives, saying: “Intensive sheep grazing is being reduced, peat bogs and waterways are being restored and tens of thousands of newly planted saplings will boost tree cover from six per cent to over 20 per cent.

"All this is intended to help boost the area’s biodiversity, which already includes otters, hares and kestrels. The project is a natural move for Broughton, which already offers experiences such as foraging tours, woodland dining and even moon bathing on its grounds.”

Custodian of Broughton Sanctuary, Roger Tempest, said at the time: "We are incredibly proud to be recognised by National Geographic Traveller in their 2024 Cool List. We have already reached over 30 per cent tree cover which has had a positive impact on biodiversity.

"Our work is dedicated to encouraging the reconnection of our ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ nature, both through the rewilding work and also through the wellbeing programmes and retreats at the Avalon Wellbeing Centre. We are on a mission to heal ourselves and our world".

Guests can stay in one of 19 recently refurbished homes on the estate, or within Broughton Hall itself. There is also a walled garden bistro - Utopia, and wellbeing centre, Avalon.

Find out more about Broughton Sanctuary at www.broughtonsanctuary.co.uk.