Flamborough Rigg Cottage…..let it snow , let it snow, let it snow.

Great excitement here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B in North Yorkshire, the snow has arrived, and even more than last year, if such a thing is possible.

I thought I would give you a short picture diary of Friday………………so you can see the girls and I have some snowy adventures.

Katie woke us all up and insisted on giving Phil and Caroline a minute by minute snow update, even though they were trying to have a well earned sleep in!

It was coming down thick and fast. Meg insisted that she should go on a recce to check conditions, insisting that she being the eldest has the most snow experience. She growled something to the effect "I am just going outside and may be some time" before heading into the blizzard. Katie and I curled up in front of a roaring fire for a snooze to show our support.

When we awoke the blizzard had stopped but still no sign of Meg. We stood watch.

Well at least until the smell of bacon butties caught our attention, after all more for us if Meg wasn’t about.

Sadly, Meg had been having a brilliant time playing in the other garden and returned just behind us………….bacon always does the trick.

Castle Howard – All dressed up for Christmas.

A major highlight for many of our guests staying with us here at Flamborough Rigg cottage B & B during December last year was a visit to Castle Howard. It looks as if they will be once again creating a magical Christmas setting at Castle Howard this year.


From 27 November – 19 December 2010 the beautiful 18th-century interiors of Castle Howard are to be transformed with giant Christmas trees, traditional decorations and eye-catching displays chosen by the Howard family. There will be a daily programme of free live music to add to the atmosphere.

For younger visitors they will be offering a festive quiz, a Christmas Express between the house and lakeside adventure playground and the highlight, a fireside meeting with Father Christmas (pre booking is vital).

The gift shop and Stable Yard shops will be the ideal place to find unusual gifts and to buy tasty Christmas treats. At the Plant Centre on sale will be estate-grown Christmas tree or handmade wreath for those wishing to recreate a touch of Castle Howard in their own home.

A room with a view – The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg

We have had some perfect early winter mornings, as the photos taken from the windows of The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg, near Stape, demonstrate.

It has been ideal walking weather, crisp days with blue skies. We have made the most of these days with walks from the door through Cropton forest, often knee deep with autumnal leaves, with rest stops at the pubs at Levisham and Newton upon Rawcliffe.

Winter is almost upon us, a season we also love, but we have been making the most snow free trails.

Amazing photographs inspired by the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast.

The North York Moors National Park Authority are playing host to the Light on Land exhibition of Chris Ceaser’s wonderful photographs. The exhibition will take place at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre from 13 – 28 November 2010.

Chris’s photographs are inspired by the North Yorkshire moors and coast. He strives to capture natural light to bring his images to life and capture the essence of each location

Wildlife Photography Exhibition in North Yorkshire

Phil is trying to explain to Lily that it is very unlikely that her picture will be featured at the forthcoming exhibition at National Trust’s, Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire as it is of wildlife. It isn’t going well as Lily thinks of herself as a pretty wild puppy!


If you want some great pictures the winning entries from the 2010 British Wildlife Photography Awards competition will be on show at Nunnington Hall at weekends from 06 – 19 November 2010 from 11.00-16.00.

Walk in the Footsteps of Romans in North Yorkshire

On Sunday 7th November 2010 join North Yorkshire Moors Ranger Jay Marrison for a walk around one of Britain's finest Roman camps. This walk is suitable for wheelchair users and takes in wonderful views of the Tabular Hills escarpment over Cropton Forest and the moorland beyond.


Prebooking is necessary, call on 01439 772738.

Meet at Cawthorn Camps Car Park, 13.00 – 14.00.

Bee’s rule at the Treasurer’s House, York

The National Trust is inviting you to join them for some Friday fun on 05 November 2010 at the Treasurer’s House in York. The afternoon is all about bees. Learn more about the fascinating lives of these threatened creatures; take a peek inside the hive at Treasurer’s House with an expert followed by a honey-inspired high tea in the historic tearoom.


Booking is essential so call on 01904 624247.

Friday 05 November from 14.00 – 16.00.

Pickering, North Yorkshire, went to war.

We had a brilliant time in Pickering 15-17 October 2010. We were so excited when we set off from Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B that Phil and Caroline had to stop and tell us to settle down. We couldn’t wait to show off our marching!

It was like going back in time………so many people in old fashioned clothes. Lots of blue and khaki. Katie reckons we should get ourselves uniforms for next year.

The only thing we were confused about was the lack of doggy gas masks on show. I am sure they had very special ones for us……………

Long autumn walks in search of Sloes in North Yorkshire

Phil and Caroline’s Sloe Gin was a huge hit with friends visiting Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B last Easter so the hunt is already on for this years supply of sloes.

Phil had his eye on a few locations but you have to wait until the first frost before picking them…..we are sworn to secrecy!

Katie, Lily and I have tried a few sloes that we found on the ground, Yuk! We can’t understand what all the fuss is about, they are so sour. We are, however, happy for the excuse for more long autumn walks through the forests and countryside surrounding us here at Stape, North Yorkshire. Katie and I love hiding in the piles of red and orange leaves and jumping out to surprise Lily.

North Yorkshire Star Party

Here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B we are spoilt when it comes to star watching as the lack of light pollution guarantees perfect views on the crisp clear autumn nights.


To help us to identify the stars we can join the star gazers that regularly meet in Dalby forest or on 16 October 2010 we can join the York Astronomy Club at Sutton Bank National Park Centre at 17.00. They will be taking a look at the night skies, doing illustrated talks and will offer advice on how to use telescopes.

Everything Apple at Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire.

If you love apples Beningbrough Hall is the place to be from 16 October – 30 October 2010. The National Trust property will have displays of apples, a new orchard labyrinth and information about the many varieties. There will be apple pressing and fun art workshops.


After all that apple fun regain your strength with a special apple lunch!

Views of The Jurassic Coast, North Yorkshire.

From 27 October – 16 November 2010 artists Peter Hough, Neil Hodgson and Peter Sarginson will be exhibiting their work at the Moors National Park Centre, Danby.
The inspiration for their work; painting, ceramics and photography, is the beautiful coastline of the North York Moors National Park have all gleaned artistic

Fountains by Floodlight

The National Trust will be opening the gates of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in North Yorkshire for two Saturday evenings in October.

On 16 and 23 October 2010 the beautiful fountains will be floodlit. Guided tours will be on offer, recorded Gregorian chants will play and a choir will be performing.

The event is on from 18.00-22.00. Wrap up warm.
Hot snacks will be on sale.

For further details contact:
Fountains Abbey, 01765 608888
fountainsenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

Staithes Gallery, Boat Show Exhibition.

Staithes Gallery, on the North Yorkshire coast, is once again presenting an exciting exhibition. The bright, vibrant paintings, prints and drawings by the artist Ian Burke will be on show from 24 October 2010. Ian born just along the coast in Saltburn now lives on the North Yorkshire Moors.

The strong, colourful images, often abstract, are of boats, harbours, fish and crustaceans.
As the days darken and shorten it will be the perfect remedy brining a touch of sunshine to your day.

Attention! North Yorkshire goes to war.

Khaki appears to be the order of the day or even the weekend, 15 to 17 October 2010. Katie and I have been practicing our marching; left, right, wag, left, right, wag. Meg has promoted herself to General and insists on inspecting her troops between naps!

We are planning a recce into Pickering where there will be parades and numerous war time events in connection with the extremely popular North Yorkshire Moors Railway, "Railway at War".

At Pickering Castle (English Heritage) we plan on watching the soldiers of the East Yorkshire Regiment as they drill, plan and prepare for battle. Maybe I can offer them advice on digging trenches, I have been practicing in the vegetable patch here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B. I am sure they will be more appreciative of my skills than Caroline was……..

Explore the North Yorkshire Moors National Park by Mountain bike

This is a great opportunity to explore the wonderful north Yorkshire moors on two wheels with an expert. North York Moors National Park Authority Ranger Simon Bassindale will be leading a mountain bike ride along an 11 mile blue/red rated route of tracks on Sunday 26 September.

Please pre book. The meeting place is the Saltergate Car Park. The ride takes place from 11.00 – 14.00. Take along a bike, helmet and drink. Minimum age is 14.

To book call 01439 772738.

Whitby’s Swinging 60’s Weekend.

Step back into the Swinging 1960’s at Whitby Abbey on 25 & 26 September 2010. Enjoy music, hairstyles, fashions and traditional games of the decade. Highlights are the have a go '66 football tricks, a chance to see vehicles from TV's "Heartbeat" complete with storytelling from a 60's policeman and hear first hand about Beatle mania with short performances throughout the each day. You are encouraged to turn up in your best Elvis costume!


The event is for all ages and is on from 11.00 to 17.00.

New Exhibition at Turnstone Gallery, Sandsend, North Yorkshire

After a busy week at Flamborough Rigg cottage chasing rabbits off the veg. patch we went for a well deserved splash on our favourite beach, Sandsend. After much showing off we headed to the Hart Inn where we were hoping to steal the odd chip from Phil and Caroline (or any one else we could charm). Enroute we passed the Turnstone Gallery where we always like to press our noses up against the window and see what is going on as they have such sparkly, pretty things. They were preparing for their next exhibition.

A Shared View 25 Sep – 31 Oct 2010

In the mid 1970’s two young artists headed north to Whitby and opened a gallery. They were soon collaborating with a young potter. This exhibition is a celebration of that relationship and yet another milestone in the continuing creativity and development of this trio, set against the backdrop of Whitby and the surrounding countryside.

This year John Egerton celebrates 45 years as a potter. Nature and landscape are important influences, in both abstract and realistic forms. Whitby landmarks feature on many vessels, as do birds, fish and flowers, mythical creatures and evocative landscapes.

Anne Thornhill's paintings demonstrate her interest in capturing not only the moments of perception, but also the journey between those moments, and how they are influenced by the movements and rhythms in the landscape. She tries to make her paintings as rich an experience as possible, with a repetition of bold colours and shapes, pulling the viewer from one perception of space to the next.

Paul Blackwell seeks to convey an emotional charge in his work through his skilful use of colour. His paintings always have a very direct sense of place and he often returns to the same subject again and again, exploring its meaning and potential. In this way he seeks to evoke the magic of the natural world and the feelings he has for the countryside.

For further details about the exhibition and Turnstone Gallery click here.

English Heritage Curators Tour – Helmsley

Helmsley, North Yorkshire is home to the English Heritage’s archaeology collection. On Wednesday 22 September 2010 there is a rare opportunity to join English Heritage Curators for a tour of the collections.

Tours take place at 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00.

The tour is free but places are limited so booking is essential. To book a place call on 01493 770173.

Foodies should head to York for the York Food and Drink Festival

It is foodie heaven in York with 10 days of day and evening events. From 17 – 26 September 2010 the days will be crammed with events around the city, many taking place in historic venues.

This years theme is: Meet Your Food Heroes.

The Festival is working with Yorkshire's National Parks, the National Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to promote sustainable producers; especially those whose work help to maintain traditional landscapes. The heroes will be demonstrating their products.

For further details about the food heroes click here.

Stroll around the markets, watch a wide range of demonstrations and delight your taste buds with amazing food and drink.

To plan your visit to this extensive and diverse event click here to see the daily programme.

Great Yorkshire Explorers!

Katie and I consider ourselves to be the best explorers in North Yorkshire, or as we like to think, the world. We know the beautiful woods and moors that surround us here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage like the back of our paw.

The nice people at North Yorkshire Moors National Park are holding a fun event on Sunday 12 September so you can start to be great explorers like Katie and I. You will learn basic map reading and compass skills so you can set off on adventures as a pathfinder.

Meet at the Moors National Park Centre, Danby 13.30 – 17.00. Minimum age 10. All children to be accompanied by an adult. If you have an OS Explorer Map OL27 they ask that you take it along.

Sadly as they don’t want the humans to be shown up they have said no dogs allowed!

Additional Stars arriving at The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire.

To add a bit of excitement to our coming Autumn and Winter we are delighted to hear that Andrew Pern has invited some of the countries most exciting chefs to join him for one off events at The Star Inn. It is a great idea and at what is already one of our favourite places to eat and that of our guests here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B.


Here is the line up:

Steven Doherty
The First Floor Café, Windermere and The Cook School Scotland
Thursday 14th October 2010, 7.30pm

Steven started his career at The Savoy and moved on to Le Gavroche, where he worked alongside the legendary Albert and Michel Roux. It was at Le Gavroche that he became the first-ever British Head Chef of a 3 Michelin Star restaurant. He relocated to the Lake District in the 1990s and was at the forefront of the gastropub movement.
£75 per person. 5 course dinner with canapés and welcoming drink.


Paul Heathcote
Heathcotes Longridge Restaurant, Simply Heathcotes, London Road Restaurant,
Grado and The Olive Press
Thursday 11th November 2010, 7.30pm

Paul won 2 Michelin stars for his restaurant in Longridge, near Preston cooking Lancashire-style food featuring ingredients from local producers, whom he actively encouraged. Heathcotes Longridge Restaurant is now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and during that time has been joined by Simply Heathcotes, London Road Restaurant, Grado and The Olive Press.
£75 per person. 5 course dinner with canapés and welcoming drink.


James Mackenzie
The Pipe and Glass, South Dalton
Thursday 3rd February 2011, 7.30pm

James not only owns East Yorkshire’s first-ever Michelin-starred Pub, but he’s
also the former Head Chef of The Star. He returns with his special menu cooking seasonal dishes in a premier pub-grub style.
£75 per person. 5 course dinner with canapés and welcoming drink.


Stephen Terry
The Hardwick, Abergavenny
Thursday 24th February 2011, 7.30pm

Stephen has worked under Marco Pierre White at Harveys and later at The Canteen, and Michel Roux Junior at Le Gavroche. It was at The Canteen working for Marco and Michael Caine that he was awarded his first Michelin star at the age of 25. His latest challenge is his country pub in Wales.
£75 per person. 5 course dinner with canapés and welcoming drink.


Nigel Haworth
Northcote Manor
Thursday 17th March 2011, 7.30pm

Nigel took the position of Head Chef at Northcote Manor in 1984 and quickly established himself as an ‘Ambassador for Regionality’ championing rustic Lancastrian ingredients and a true ‘terroir’ style. In 2009 he was a Great British Menu Hero, when his Lancashire Hot pot inspired main course was selected for homecoming servicemen and women. He now brings his taste of Lancashire over the Pennines. Hopefully, he’ll get through passport control; he may have quite a lot to declare!
£75 per person. 5 course dinner


We recommend that you book soon. The Star Inn 01439 770397 or email reservations@thestarinnatharome.co.uk

Star Watching starts up again in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.

As the nights draw in it is time once again for the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society to meet in Dalby forest and to offer tours of the nights sky. Weather permitting, they will be sharing their knowledge of the constellations with anyone wishing to join them. An indoor presentation will take place if the conditions are cloudy.

Meet at the Dalby Forest visitors centre at 20.00. All ages are welcome. Wrap up warm and a take a torch with you.

Dates of Star Watching:

Friday 3 September 2010

Friday 1 October 2010

Friday 5 November 2010

For further details about the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society click here.

Your last few days to see the Hammer By Hand exhibition at the Saltbox Gallery.

You need to head to the Saltbox Gallery in Helmsley, North Yorkshire if you want to enjoy its excellent exhibition of contemporary crafts.

Artisits exhibiting work include Peter Coates, stone carving, Matthew Tomalin, metal bowls, Jennifer Tetlow, stone sculpture and Matthew Dwyer, metal work.

Canine Capers in Dalby Forest North Yorkshire

Tails are definitely wagging here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B in North Yorkshire as we have just heard that the lovely people at the Forestry Commission are holding a special event that will allow us girls to show off in Dalby Forest.

Katie and Lily are in the garden now practising their running and ball chasing skills. They are trying to encourage Phil to build them an assault course! I on the other hand am doing more leisurely training in the hope that there will be mental agility tests as well………

The event takes place at Adderstone Field in Dalby Forest and will help raise money for dog charities.

If you think you want to compete against us be there at 11.00 am until 3.00pm on Saturday 4 September 2010.

North York Moors - Cycling weekend

Cyclists of all abilities are converging on North Yorkshire this weekend for a weekend of amazing cycling. The meeting place is the Sutton Bank National Park Centre near Thirsk.

On Saturday 5th June there are three off road routes, making the most of the spectacular countryside, of between 15 and 30 miles.

On Sunday 6th June the routes are along quiet country roads and lanes with several climbs up hills and droping into valleys.

Four routes are on offer: Fun – 12 miles, Short – 30 miles, Medium – 60 miles, Long – 90 miles

Don’t forget your helmets!

To register and for more information click here.

Dalby Forest boat race.

The arts and crafts team at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre in North Yorkshire are inviting children to join them on Thursday 3 June 2010 to design and build a boat from recycled materials. They will then head outside to test them in the stream.

They are holding two sessions: 10.00am until 12.00pm or 1.00pm until 3.00pm

For further details click here.

Staithes Gallery Delights again.

Staithes Gallery, North Yorkshire are once again featuring an exciting exhibition, this time the work of Paul and Chris Czainski.

Paul's highly-skilled, often a little off-beat artworks, deliver a gently surrealist twist to the absolute mastery of his craft that he demonstrates over and over again in deceptively real paintings on both traditional and quirky post-modern themes.

Chris's work uses beach finds and scavenged materials to create images that are quite wonderful - in the sense that they stimulate wonder: wonder about the images themselves, but also about the materials used to make them.

Rockpool dipping at Runswick, North Yorkshire.

We have just returned from Runswick Bay on the North Yorkshire coast where we have been dipping our noses into rock pools with the lovely people at the North York Moors National Park Authority.

I am not sure if they appreciated all of our input but we had a brilliant afternoon splashing around with the children in search of crabs, star fish and sea monsters.

Lily has returned with a sore nose after getting a little too close to a small crab…………..

Medieval Falconry at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire

For a real treat this Easter head to Rievaulx Abbey where costumed medieval falconers, will present demonstrations of spectacular aerial displays of Birds of Prey in flight. In the magnificent setting of the Priory ruins discover how these birds were used in the medieval times for hunting and for status.

The event takes place from 3 – 5 April from 11.30 – 17.00.

Pre-booking not necessary, tickets available upon arrival.

For further details click here.

In Search of Winkles and Whelks at Robin Hood's Bay.

Join the experts from the National Trust on the slipway at the Old Coastguard Station, Robin Hoods Bay on 1 April 2010 at 11.00 to head off along the beach to explore the rock pools.

Don’t forget wellies, buckets and spades.
You can even take your dog along to help!

Easter Family Fun Trails in North Yorkshire

It just isn’t fair, Phil and Caroline have refused to take us to any of the amazing Easter Egg hunts planned in North Yorkshire as they think we would scoff all the chocolate eggs and allegedly chocolate isn’t good for dogs! I have my suspicions that this is just a wicked rumour generated by Phil and Caroline here at Flamborough Rigg cottage so they don’t have to share their treats.

Maybe we could just hunt for the bunnies and chicks.
For you lucky chocolate eaters here are just some of our local events.

Clifford’s Tower, York
Dates: 02 – 05 April 2010 from 10.00 – 18.00.
Planned by: English Heritage.

Details: You must crack the clues on the fun trail and collect a yummy Easter prize. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.

Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, North Yorkshire.
Dates: 30 March – 18 April 2010 from 11.00 – 18.00.
Planned by: National Trust.

Details: A fun easter trail with a Cadbury’s cream egg reward. Free face painting on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Treasurer’s House, York.
Dates: 30 March – 18 April 2010 from 11.00 – 16.30.
Planned by: National Trust.

Details: Follow an Easter trail through the hose in search of bogus and bonus bunnies. Cadbury’s chocolate egg prizes for the successful.

Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Dates: 02 – 05 April 2010 from 10.00 – 18.00.
Planned by: English Heritage.

Details: You must crack the clues on the fun trail and collect a yummy Easter prize. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.

Sutton Bank National Park Centre, North Yorkshire.
Dates: 02 – 05 April 2010 from 10.00 – 17.00.
Planned by: North Yorkshire Moors National Park

Details: Drop in and take part in the egg trail. The animals in the National Park have mixed up their eggs and need you to work out which eggs belong to whom. Be an intrepid eggsplorer and use your map to locate the eggs and match them to the proper animal. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, York.
Dates: 3 - 5 April 2010 from 12.00 – 16.00.
Planned by: National Trust.

Details: Three days of eggcellent fun for all with the Egg Olympics challenges (including of course, egg and spoon races!) and Easter trail in the garden. Sponsored by Cadbury.

Bird Watching for Beginners

The National Trust is holding an event at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire to encourage bird watchers. Beginners will be treated to an illustrated talk about equipment and photography followed by a birding walk in the grounds.

This is a great opportunity for beginners to learn the basics in a stunning setting.

The event is on 27 March 2010 from 10.30 – 12.30.

For further details email fountainsenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01765 608888

Bush craft for Adults in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.

The experts at the Forestry Commission have planned several dates during the year when they will teach bush crafts in Dalby Forest, near Pickering in North Yorkshire. Each event will run from 09.00 on Saturday to 09.00 on Sunday.

The events are aimed at over 18’s. They recommend you bring along suitable warm clothing, waterproofs and a torch.

Dates.
Saturday 20 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010
Saturday 15 May 2010 to Sunday 16 May 2010
Saturday 18 September 2010 to Sunday 19 September 2010

Castle Howard hosts a traditional Easter fair.

From Friday 2nd April to Monday 5th April 2010 there will be a traditional Easter Fair in the grounds of Castle Howard in North Yorkshire.

Included in the cost of an entry ticket to Castle Howard will be traditional fairground rides and games, face painting, marching Dixie bands, an Easter Bunny and much more.

Meet the Victorian Laundry Maid

On 27 March 2010 there is an opportunity to learn about life below stairs through the eyes of a Victorian laundry maid. Experience this living history in the Victorian laundry at the National Trusts Beningbrough Hall.

Beningbrough Hall and gardens, located in North Yorkshire, is open from 11.00 with the first talk taking place at 12.00.

For further details about Beningbrough Hall click here.

Spring has sprung at Flamborough Rigg Cottage

After a long and very snowy winter here at Flamborough Rigg cottage in Stape, North Yorkshire, the first signs of spring are upon us.

The garden has come to life with a multitude of beautiful snowdrops nestling under our trees and the courtyard is showing the first signs of colour with the appearance of flowering crocuses.
The daffs and tulips are a still a few weeks off but as March races by you just know it won't be long before the whole garden will be bursting into bloom.

I know we haven't seen much of the grass here since November but before long Phil will have the lawn mower out, his favourite chore!

Chasing Ducks in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.

On Easter Monday, 5 April 2010, we are looking forward to a visit to nearby Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire where we will be encouraged to chase ducks!

We have been eyeing up the ducks on our nearby lake, just a short walk from us here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B for sometime, although they always seem to fly off when we get close, even when we use our best stealth hunting tactics.

You can imagine that we were all extremely confused when Caroline showed us one of the ducks we will be encouraging along Low Staindale Beck at Easter. It doesn’t say much. Lily was even caught nudging her duck in the tub with her nose trying to get it to swim faster.

The event is run by the Friends of Dalby Forest and tickets for a duck go on sale from 10.00 on the day.

I am off to start my duck on its training regime.

Ancient North York Moors woods to be given a new lease of life.

The Forestry Commission with Natural England has scooped £40,000 of Government funds to carry out the work at West Arncliffe and Park Hole Woods, near Whitby.

The site dates back to at least 1600 and provides a key habitat for wildlife and plants such as rare ferns and grasses.
During the 20th century the 44 hectare wood was densely planted with Western hemlock conifers which are now to be felled to make space for trees such as sessile oak.

Stewart Bates, who owns the wood, said: "Removing the Western hemlock will be a major boost, piercing the gloom with nourishing sunlight and preventing plants like the ferns from being shaded out.

Science Week at National Railway Museum, York.

As part of National Science Week experience science and technology brought to life amidst the railways at the National Railway Museum in York.

Engage the brain and join us for an interactive week of fun for the whole family.

Take part in over 20 exciting workshops and demonstrations on Discovery Day, or jump aboard the footplate of the Duchess of Hamilton during our annual Cab It event. You can also enjoy a miniature railway ride – with real working steam miniature locomotives – or drive a real steam loco at Driver For A Fiver*.

The event is suitable for all ages an takes place between 13 – 21 March 2010.

For full details click here.

Castle Howard Gardening Club 11 March onwards

What could be a more inspiring backdrop than the beautiful gardens of Castle Howard in North Yorkshire?

The Castle Howard Gardening Club is hosted by its Plant Centre Manager John Foxton. Meetings are held at the Plant centre where John will hold instructive demonstrations and offer practical gardening advice.

The events take place between 10.00 – 12.00 starting with coffee and biscuits.

MARCH 4th, 11th, 18th
Muck or mild, rain or shine it’s time to get started. Preparation and planting. Plants for the month.

APRIL 1st, 8th, 15th
Easy annuals, sowing and growing. Summer colour on the cheap. Plants in flower, shrubs and bulbs.
 MAY 6th, 13th, 20th
Inspiration from others. Benefits of garden visits. Benefits of gardens to mankind and the environment.


JUNE 3rd, 10th, 17th
Seasonal bedding and border gap fillers. Tender perennials. Selections for Sale – surprise, surprise.


JULY 15th
The Estate - in and around the grounds. Castle Howard’s contribution to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its surrounding environment. Its management plans for the fauna and flora and ancient woodlands. 10am – 1.30pm including picnic at the Temple of the Four Winds.


AUGUST 5th, 12th, 19th
Glorious grasses – all the colours and textures. How to get the best from them – selection for sale.


SEPTEMBER 2nd,9th,16th
Guaranteed spring colour. Plant bulbs now in pots and winter spring bedding.


OCTOBER One day only - TBC
A visit to the Vineyards of Northern Europe – to be arranged. Samples hopefully!!!!


NOVEMBER 4th, 11th, 18th
Roses for all situations – still trying to grow the best. Annual cycle of good rose husbandry. New range should be in stock.


DECEMBER 2nd, 9th, 16th
Christmas from the Garden – fruit, vegetables, flowers, foliage. Make the most of what you’ve got.


For further details about club membership click here.

Pickering Walking Festival 2010.

Between 16 – 18 April 2010 Pickering will play host to its first Walking Festival which it is hoped will become an annual event.

Over the weekend there will be walks ranging from 1½ to 15 miles to suit all fitness levels. The escorted walks are a mix of circular and linear, making use of the excellent Coastliner bus service on the Saturday and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on the Sunday.

For all walks registration is at the Black Swan Hotel in Pickering. The cost of walks range from £2 to £11 per person, some include transport.

For further details of walks and of the evening entertainment click here.

Saltbox Gallery, Helmsley, North Yorkshire Spring Exhibition

On Friday 12th March the Spring Exhibition opens at the Saltbox Gallery in Helmsley with a display of paintings by Claire West

The Spring exhibition is a celebration of colour and seeks to explore the boundaries and freedom of painting. Claire is an exciting artist who juxtaposes unusual colours, in her paintings of nature, to create refreshing and uplifting artworks.

The Saltbox Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts and is situated in the centre of the pretty market town of Helmsley.

Let's go fly a kite in North Yorkshire.

Join the forestry team at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre near Pickering in North Yorkshire to try your hand at making kites and if successful, flying them.

The event takes place on Sunday 14 March from 10.00 – 12.00. All ages are welcome. A fee of £3 applies.

For further details about Dalby Forest click here.

See Peter Rabbit and friends at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

At the National Trusts Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire is a display of original water colours and drawings by one of history's greatest and most popular authors and illustrators, Beatrix Potter.

The exhibition starts on 27 February 2010 and is included in the normal admission charge for the house.

Jorvik Viking Festival in York

The 25th Jorvik Viking Festival takes place in York from 13th – 25th February 2010.
Events take place in locations throughout the centre of this beautiful city.

The action packed week of events offers something for everyone. The diverse activities include readings, music, re-enactments on the battlefields, boat burning, art and crafts, combat through the ages, music, film’s and theatre. Additional highlights for children include play fighting, special face painting, story telling and creating beards for the annual best beard competition.

For further details about the Jorvik Viking Festival click here.

A skipping we will go in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

The girls and I are already licking our lips at the thought of all those pancakes on Shrove Tuesday here at Flamborough Rigg cottage B&B near Pickering in North Yorkshire.

Phil and Caroline have decided that we will need all the exercise we can get that day and plan to take us along to the Skipping Festival at South Bay Sea Front, Scarborough.

This wonderful and quirky, low key event has been taking place to celebrate Shrove Tuesday in Scarborough since 1903. Families will turn up informally to skip on the afternoon of 16 February. The road along the foreshore will be closed off between noon and 17.00 to allow people to skip safely.

I wonder if any other dogs will be joining in. Lily and I are going to practice up and down the lane so we don’t embarrass ourselves on the big day.