BOLTON Abbey is inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment with its ‘closer to nature’ programme of events.

Events between now and the end of the year, include dawn bird-watching, mushroom foraging and 'moorland safaris' with the estate's gamekeepers.

For those interested in conservation and wildlife, the closer to nature programme kicks off on Sunday (April 28) with a guided dawn tour of Strid Wood with Ian Court, wildlife conservation officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ian will help identify the diverse array of birds living within the woods and will explain the meaning behind the many different calls.

Ian will be back in June with an introduction to woodland birds, and there are further opportunities to discover and learn more about what can be found on the estate, including the sunset bat walk around the Priory ruins and riverside on August 6 and 'fungal foray' on UK Fungus Day on October 5 with local enthusiast Andy Woodhall.

Bolton Abbey’s team of gamekeepers will host a series of moorland safaris in May and June for visitors to take in the sights and sounds of Barden Moor, including spotting the curlew and other endangered birds such as the lapwing.

Moira Smith, visitor experience and marketing manager at Bolton Abbey, said: “Celebrating the surrounding environment and local wildlife is central to everything we do here at Bolton Abbey. We want visitors of all ages to be able to enjoy themselves in this beautiful place with fun events and activities that embrace our natural environment, as well as experiencing the abundant wildlife that has made Bolton Abbey its home.

“Our closer to nature programme is designed to do just that and we have seen already how popular the educational tours are for visitors wanting to learn more about the conservation and restoration that takes place on the estate. We’re looking forward to another year full of adventure!”

From May until November, visitors can enjoy a muddy adventure with the popular 'welly walk', which runs from the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey, along the River Wharfe to the Cavendish Pavilion.

Outdoor theatre will also return this summer with a performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by Illyria on July 27.

For the summer holidays, Bolton Abbey’s Pirate Ship and Pop-up Beach will back next to the Cavendish Pavilion, along with the popular family cycle zone.

The pumpkin trail, Father Christmas visits, wreath-making courses and 12-days of Christmas trail will also be returning.

Found out more, and to book, visit: https://boltonabbey.com/