Monday 29 March 2010

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.

Friday 19 March 2010

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

Thursday 18 March 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.

Tuesday 16 March 2010

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.

Monday 15 March 2010

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.