An annual celebration of wildflowers and nature in the Yorkshire Dales will soon be underway with the return of a popular festival.

The Flowers of the Dales Festival kicks off on 1 March and runs until the end of October, bringing together more than 120 events led by passionate experts and enthusiasts in and around the Yorkshire Dales.

Coordinated Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), and sponsored by Parkfoot Holiday & Park Homes, the Festival showcases some of the region’s nationally and internationally important habitats which support many native species of wildflowers, insects, birds and mammals.

Events range from guided walks and bumblebee talks, to family-friendly nature trails and bug hunts, to identification courses, hands-on conservation activities, arts and crafts.

YDMT’s Flowers of the Dales project ffficer, Leah Cardus, said: “We are very lucky to have such a rich and vibrant landscape on our doorstep, home to an array of native species. Through the Festival we aim to provide opportunities for people of all ages to explore the Yorkshire Dales and discover this for themselves. More than 33,000 people have taken part since the first Festival in 2009, and I hope many more will be inspired to get involved this year.”

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “Our players have raised £1,226,332 for Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to date, enabling the team to deliver many varied projects, including the annual Flowers of the Dales Festival. The huge range of events provide opportunities for people of all ages to explore the natural environment, be inspired to visit the countryside and perhaps learn something new.”

The free Flowers of the Dales Festival programme can be downloaded from www.ydmt.org/festival2017.