"To inform and educate visitors about the history and environment of the surrounding area"
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre is open to the public every Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm, plus other special events (e.g. Wild Wednesdays, 2-4pm, during most school holidays)
The Bracken Hall bees are doing well in 2023 - fresh honey available from the Centre. The beekeeper has just added a new 'super' (i.e. layer with frames in) to allow the bees to take advantage of the every earlier flowering of the heather
'So Much More to Explore' - and now so much easier!
Our new information panels have appeared locally, along with waymarking roundels, to guide you to Bracken Hall, and to other local places of interest. These are the last part of our project funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The panels are located near to Roberts Park (on the way to the Tramway), on the Nature Trail upstream from Roberts Park, and near the pub on Shipley Glen. We hope they'll help you explore more of what there is to do, the local history, and what other tourist attractions and services are available. The waymarkers will guide you from each panel to the Countryside Centre so we hope to see you there soon!
Upcoming events & activities:
Monthly theme at BHCC for September is 'Archaeology' and for October is 'Spiders and Bats and Moths'. Activities in the BHCC Classroom will fit these themes & inspire everyone to engage with the countryside
Every Thursday: Baildon Men's Shed, 10am-12pm. Fancy doing some woodwork or just feel like some good company? Run by James of HALE – for more info call him on 07946 155 347. Not a man – please enquire! Do you have any ideas for new groups at BHCC?
SEPTEMBER
Scarecrow Day in Baildon is on 30th – visit Baildon's event and spot the BHCC scarecrow
OCTOBER:
Saturday 21st: Apple Day 12-4pm. Everything you always wanted to know or do with local apples.
Sunday 22nd: Science Afternoon 12-4pm. Jules will amaze and entertain and educate
Wednesday 25th: Wild Wednesday 2-4pm. Family friendly fun
Friday 27th: Guided Walk to Menston (Station) via Baildon, Faweather and a Silk Mill! 10.30am start, return by train.
John Dallas's remaining walks for 2023 are:
November 24th - to Bradford Industrial Museum via the canal towpath (other festive walks may be added)
NB all walks start at Bracken Hall at 10.30am unless stated otherwise - approximate finish times, distances and other info will be added here in due course
View from the wildlife garden showing part of the new pergola, the glass 'wall' of the new HUB, and the pre-existing Classroom (left)
The glass wall now forms the main entrance to the Centre. The pergola will play many roles including habitat for climbing plants, a place to sit, and, by use of screens suspended between the uprights, an excellent spot to view the wildlife in the garden
The Countryside Centre engages with many different aspects of the countryside, seeking inspiration from the surrounding countryside. We have a trail of carved rocks in our Wildlife Garden - can you find them all??
Access to BHCC and how can you help!
The Centre endeavours to open every Saturday and Sunday, midday to 4pm, except for Christmas Day. For the most part, the Centre is staffed and activities and events are led by volunteers. Could that be you? Why not pay us a visit or contact the Manager to discuss how you could get involved.
Please watch this space for further updates
School Educational visits and other bookings at Bracken Hall
The Centre has a proud tradition of educational visits, and continues to offer tailored sessions for any age group. The Centre is also available to hire for private and third-party groups, for activities and events in keeping with its countryside location and ethos. Hire rates are very reasonable (£50/day; £30/half-day; £15/hour) as are charges for our approved educational provider if required. Please contact the Manager for further details.
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Glen Road, Baildon, BD17 5EA
Follow us online, on Facebook, or phone Richard White 07938 063 062, or email him on brackenhallmanager@baildontowncouncil.gov.uk if you have any specific enquiries
