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The Friends of St Ives is a group of volunteers who first gathered in 2003 to ensure that future developments to St Ives, Bingley are in keeping with the way the estate was originally designed and to ensure that all users can enjoy its beauty for many generations to come. We are hoping to work with Bradford Council and help with repairs and the development of facilities. We arrange guided walks and events throughout the year. Please see Forthcoming Events for details.

The estate of St Ives, which was gifted to the rural town of Bingley, West Yorkshire and its people by the Ferrand family in the 1920s, offers rural tranquillity with its woodland walks and abundant variety of flora and fauna. Anyone wishing to help or become more involved in the Friends activities can contact the group by email projects@friendsofstives.org.uk or become a member by completing the application form.

Welcome to the web pages of The Friends of St Ives

Birding information

FEBRUARY

This is woodpecker month. You should be able to hear the drumming of the Great Spotted Woodpecker during a visit to the estate woodlands. You may even be able to hear the "metal-pecker" that sometimes drums on the pylon at the eastern edge of Racecourse Plantation. Song Thrushes will be singing on the milder days toward the end of the month.

MARCH

Our first returning summer migrant should appear from mid-March onwards, song of the Chiffchaff is one of the most distinctive as it continuously tells you its name. Most of the resident species will now be singing first thing in the morning. Woodcock should also be roding over Heather Park in the last light of the day. Curlew and Lapwings can be seen overhead as they move inland to their breeding grounds close by. Skylarks also return from the coast.

For more birding information from our expert in St Ives go to: Bradford Birding

The spring hoare frosts were spectacular in February

Many thanks to Kath for the Images

3D stereo images of St Ives