Foray into foraging, stroll along the River Nidd with a renowned marine biologist, or learn about birds in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hosted in and around Pateley Bridge on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June, NiddFest is delivered by the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Spicing up the menu is a chance to foray into foraging with passionate forager and trained chef, Chris Bax. Stroll along the River Nidd with Dr Helen Scales - a marine biologist, writer, broadcaster, surfer and diver – who will bring to life the connections between people, science and the living world.

Start the day with a dawn bird walk in ancient woodland with the charismatic Peter Cowdrey of Planet Birdsong. Buzz over bees on a meadow walk with the artist, naturalist and photographer, Steven Falk; Steven has illustrated classic Collins Guidesand is author of a definitive Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland.

Green fingers can dig up top tips in a garden design masterclass delivered by Kit Peel, the author, journalist and founder of Kit Peel Gardens, which creates bespoke gardens that are both low maintenance and beneficial to wildlife.

For photography enthusiasts, Paul Harris will deliver a landscape photography workshop. Paul began his career after studying documentary photography under Magnum photographer, David Hurn. His work has been published in major publications including the Sunday Times and Geographical Magazine. A regular columnist in Outdoor Photography magazine, he works with environmental organisations and leads Wild Photography Holidays.

Experienced ornithologist, Richard Baines, has worked as a Nature Guide and in wildlife conservation for 30 years. He’ll deliver an enthused talk on the Birds of Nidderdale.

Local writer and historian, Anna Greenwood, will also present Rural Voice, Tales from the Upper Dale - her conversations with many of the oldest inhabitants of Nidderdale. Anna spent five years between 2012 and 2017 recording conversations about how life used to be and how it is now, from the war effort to village and farming life.

NiddFest also features events for book worms of all ages, with talks from some of the UK’s best nature writers and family activities including woodland workshops. There are also talks from Channel 5’s Julian Norton, star of The Yorkshire Vet, and TV presenter, Lindsey Chapman, on behind the scenes of BBC’s Springwatch Unsprung.

NiddFest runs on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June. To book and see the full line-up, visit: www.niddfest.com Follow @NiddFest