Buzzing Skipton Trail 2026
Buzzing Skipton Trail 2026
This trail is part of ‘Buzzing Skipton’ – a community initiative dedicated to protecting pollinators and enhancing the environment for both wildlife and people.
Whether you’re here to learn, explore, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk, we hope this trail inspires you to notice the beauty in the small details and to play your part in keeping Skipton buzzing for generations to come.
Simply follow the trail using the map, at each find the information panel and scan the QR code to listen to the story of Bombus the white tail bumble bee…
At each location there will be a task for you to complete.
Trail sheets can be collected from either Craven Arts House or the Skipton Town Council Offices on Otley Street.
At the end, post your completed trail form into the post-box at Craven Arts to be in with a chance of winning some wildlife friendly goodies.
PLEASE NOTE – Craven Arts is only open between Thursday and Sunday. If not open, please post your completed trail sheets into the Skipton Town Council Offices or the Town Hall.
The Buzzing Skipton Trail will run from July 25th until August 9th 2026.
1. Bug Garden – Bombus
Use the QR code on the right to listen to the story…
There are thousands of creatures in this little garden, Bombus has met one, a peacock butterfly.
Can you find six crawling or slithering creatures in this wildlife garden?
TASK – design your own ‘bug hotel’ when you get home!
NOTE: Please do not disturb the wildlife by moving or climbing over planters, just use your eyes not your hands, thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: All audio is copyright of Sarah De Nurtcheylo
2. Canal Basin – Aglais
Use the QR code on the right to listen to the story…
Pollinators are needed for mother nature to remain healthy and ensure we have food to eat. They enable the production of seeds, fruits, and nuts.
How many day time moths can you spot in our wildlife friendly planters?
TASK – Draw a picture of the scene that you saw today at the canal side.
NOTE: Please do not disturb the wildlife by moving or climbing over planters, just use your eyes not your hands, thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: All audio is copyright of Sarah De Nurtcheylo
3. Bus Station – Coccinella
Use the QR code on the right to listen to the story…
Bombus has met Coccinella a six spotted lady bird.
Coccinella is one of the many different lady birds that live here that help to balance nature.
How many other insects can you spot here?
Place the names of each of the different insects you spotted into the box provided.
NOTE: Please do not disturb the wildlife by moving or climbing over planters, just use your eyes not your hands, thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: All audio is copyright of Sarah De Nurtcheylo
4. Skipton Woods – Myotis
Use the QR code on the right to listen to the story…
Can you spot any signs of bats here? Look for deep crevices in the walls and trees that are above 3-metres high?
Bombus wants to see if he can catch midges without using his eyes.
Play the ‘Midge Mayhem’ game and see if you can do this too:
- One person plays Bombus, they must cover your eyes.
- The other players are midges and must stand at different distances around ‘Bombus’.
- One person/midge at a time makes a squeaking sound, Bombus must determine which direction the sound is coming from and move towards the person until he can reach out and touches them.
- How many midges can he find to eat?
NOTE: Please do not disturb the wildlife by moving or climbing over planters, just use your eyes not your hands, thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: All audio is copyright of Sarah De Nurtcheylo
5. Amphitheatre – Vanessa
Use the QR code on the right to listen to the story…
Bombus loves to learn new things this makes him understand the world he lives in better.
Write a poem for Bombus that tells him about what you have seen, learnt and experienced on this trail so far.
Then, let us know what three things you love the most about nature?
NOTE: Please do not disturb the wildlife by moving or climbing over planters, just use your eyes not your hands, thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: All audio is copyright of Sarah De Nurtcheylo
6. Craven Arts House
Use the QR code on the right to listen to the story…
Craven Arts House is full of amazing artwork that has been created by people living in and around Skipton.
If it’s open, can you discover any art inside that is inspired by nature?
Colour the butterfly sheet provided with coloured pencils as they would appear in nature.
Enter your name and phone number on the provided space to enter the Buzzing Skipton Wildlife Trail Competition.
NOTE: Please do not disturb the wildlife by moving or climbing over planters, just use your eyes not your hands, thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: All audio is copyright of Sarah De Nurtcheylo
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Post your completed trail sheet and in the Buzzing Skipton Post Box provided in Craven Arts House and wait to see if you have won a prize.
Prize winners are set to be drawn at random.
Well done for completing this trail! Why not go and celebrate by stopping for a drink in one of the wonderful café’s in Skipton town centre?!
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES
Make your own hoverfly lagoon… Click here to watch a video on how to do it!
Carry out a bat sunset survey with your family… Read more about this here!
Download the butterfly spotting App – created by the Butterfly Conservation Trust – and go looking for butterflies in your local area… Download it here!
The Buzzing Skipton project has taken place thanks to part funding from the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
