Advanced notice of closure of BHCC: The Centre will be closed on Saturdays 3rd and 10th June due to a shortage of volunteers/staff. The Garden will be open as normal
"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)
'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!
'So Much More to Explore' - and now so much easier!
Simply follow the Bracken Hall Countryside Centre roundels to get you from near Roberts Park and the Tramway, or from the footbridge across the river from Hirst Wood. The waymarked routes all provide decently surfaced paths to get you to the Centre
Upcoming events & activities:
Monthly theme at BHCC. June: Pollinators. Activities at BHCC will fit this theme & 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?
John Dallas Guided Walks: John will lead a walk each month, sharing his love of the countryside and the things in it. Please wear stout footwear and bring appropriate clothing for the weather forecast your own refreshments, & money for public transport
- Ilkley via 12 Apostles: Friday 23rd June, 10.30am from Bracken Hall
Wild Wednesday. 31st May, 2-4pm. Family friendly activities linked to the monthly theme
Baildon Open Gardens. Sunday 18th June, 10am-4pm. The Centre is participating in HALE's Baildon Open Gardens event. Come along and spend some quality time in our wildlife garden, see what plants we grow to help wildlife, and take some ideas home with you
Beehive Event: Sunday 25th June, 1-4pm. What's going on in a beehive & why bees are so busy? The beekeeper & other apiarists from Airedale Beekeepers will be sharing their love & knowledge of bees, honey, & hopefully be able to show you what's inside the hive
Introduction to Running: Sunday 23rd July, 11am-12.30pm. Have you ever thought of trying running? Running coach Sue, plus other local runners will share their love of running, and help get you going! Warm ups, a short run suitable for all and stretches will all be done by you followed by refreshments. Please wear trainers & appropriate clothing
John Dallas's full programme of walks for 2023 is:
July 28th - To Prince of Wales Park via Milnerfield and Gawthorpe
August 11th - Family walk -Up and down Shipley Glen exploring as we go
August 18th - Family walk - Pond dip and ID up on Baildon Moor
Sept 22nd - to Cliffe Castle Museum, returning by bus/train to Saltaire
October 27th - to Menston (Station) by Baildon, Faweather and a Silk Mill!
November 24th - to Bradford Industrial Museum via the canal towpath
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
