THE temporary signboards which 'Darwin's Garden Army' have been using to keep visitors informed of progress on the site are about to get their marching orders.

Construction of three permanent information boards is nearing completion, and these will eventually display a range of useful visitor information, including maps and the Green and details of the site's varied and attractive features celebrating the new Millennium.

As well as information on Ilkley's heritage from the distant past to the present, and on Darwin's connection with the town, there will be announcements of work party dates and other events to be held on the site.

The main board is sited next to the 'car parking area', and there are smaller ones at the pedestrian path entrances from Wells Road.

Dr Peter Harnett, chairman of the committee, said that visitors could also benefit from three new seats that had been installed recently.

Roger Holden, of 'Woodwork' has constructed a splendid oak seat surrounding the base of the Wharfedale Naturalists' oak tree, near the picnic area. Nearby is a 'child friendly' log seat, made from a single piece of timber by Bradford Council's woodland management team.

Near the upper bridge over the ghyll the council's countryside management staff have placed a traditional bench, provided by the Ilkley Council for Voluntary Service (Good Neighbours) - which was the first organisation to make a donation to the Darwin Gardens project.

Dr Harnett said: "In years to come, it should be an ideal viewpoint for the mass of wildflowers planted nearby by volunteers, who included several children from Ben Rhydding Primary School."

More than 15,000 bulbs have been planted, including daffodils donated by Les Dewdney and bluebells from David and Patsy Glover.

This year's tree-planting season has started with a silver birch and several yews donated by Mr and Mrs Read, heralding the groups of 'dedicated trees' which volunteers are planning to plant next month.