A thriving naturalists' club is offering grants to schools, organisations and individuals to help Wharfedale's wildlife flourish.

Wharfedale Naturalists' Society has chalked up its 500th member, and its healthy accounts from membership fees mean it can spend on local projects to protect and encourage nature.

The society, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, already works on nature reserves including Sun Lane Nature Reserve in Burley-in-Wharfedale and Otley Wetland Nature Reserve.

It has also given hundreds of pounds to Wharfedale schools to help them create nature ponds and sensory gardens in their grounds.

Society president Peter Riley is inviting others in the valley to apply for hundreds of pounds for schemes which will benefit Wharfedale's wildlife.

Mr Riley said: "As a natural history organisation we are concerned about the threats to wildlife. We want to be seen to be not just talking about the problems, but to be seen to be making a difference practically on the ground."

He said the society will consider either being the sole provider of funding for a nature project, or joint funding with another organisation.

Wharfedale Naturalists' Society has worked over the years to document the many species of plant, animal and insect seen in the valley - or disappearing from it. Its members also carry out work at nature reserves in the valley.

Any individual or organisation who would like to discuss nature project funding with Wharfedale Naturalists can contact Mr Riley on (01943) 862916.