Key Points
- Otley 2030 is hosting its next community talk titled ‘Weston Woods, wildlife and you’ this weekend at Otley Common, formerly known as Otley Methodist Church.
- The event takes place from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
- Weston Woods, a beloved woodland in Otley, came up for sale in January 2023 and was successfully acquired for community ownership later that year through a local campaign led by Friends of Weston Woods (FoWW).
- The talk will cover the woodland’s importance for local wildlife, its role as a stepping stone in the landscape amid climate change threats, diverse species present and potential, results from FoWW’s Community Consultation and nesting birds survey, ecological significance, and volunteering/citizen science opportunities.
- Speakers include local ecologists Catherine Burton and Robyn Guppy, as well as Francesca Bridgewater, Chair of Menston Area Nature Trust.
- A representative of FoWW stated: “Whether you’re curious about local nature, passionate about conservation, or simply interested in what’s being done to look after Weston Woods, this talk will offer a glimpse into why these woods matter more than ever.”
- Tickets cost £3, or £1.50 for concessions, and are free for those unable to pay; reserve via Otley 2030’s Eventbrite page at https://tinyurl.com/westontalk or email comms@otley2030.com.
- Post-talk activities include a Q&A session, mingling with Otley 2030 volunteers, and refreshments like cuppa and biscuits (or tasty sweet treats).
- This event continues Otley 2030’s programme of community talks on climate change, nature recovery, and social justice, allowing locals to learn from experts and get involved in projects.
- Wildlife Friendly Otley is an active partner in FoWW, collaborating with groups like Menston Area Nature Trust, Otley 2030, and others on conservation efforts.
Otley Guardian (Otley Guardian) 20 January 2026 – Otley, West Yorkshire, has long cherished its green spaces, and Weston Woods stands as a prime example of community-driven conservation. Otley 2030, a local initiative focused on sustainability, is organising a key community talk entitled ‘Weston Woods, wildlife and you’ this coming weekend at the newly repurposed Otley Common. The event promises to delve into the woodland’s ecological vitalities and ways residents can contribute to its future.
What is the History of Weston Woods in Otley?
In January 2023, Otley’s cherished Weston Woods unexpectedly came up for sale, sparking immediate concern among locals who viewed it as an irreplaceable natural asset. A robust community campaign swiftly mobilised, culminating in the woodland’s transition to community ownership later that year, now stewarded by the dedicated Friends of Weston Woods (FoWW). This victory underscored the power of collective action in preserving local heritage amid development pressures.
As detailed on the Wildlife Friendly Otley website, the group proudly partners with FoWW alongside organisations such as Menston Area Nature Trust, Otley 2030, Climate Action Ilkley, Addingham Environmental Group, Yorkshire Rewilding Network, Wharfedale Naturalists, Woodland Savers, and Protect Earth—formerly the Friends of Otley East Wood, which secured similar woods for perpetual community and nature benefit. These collaborations highlight a broader network of environmental guardianship in the Wharfe Valley region.
Catherine Burton, a prominent local ecologist and UK ecology lead for a specialist consultancy, brings her expertise from academia, The Wildlife Trusts, and invertebrate studies—including a PhD in social insects—to the fray, as noted in British Ecological Society profiles. Her involvement signals the event’s high calibre.
Who are the Speakers at the Weston Woods Talk?
The lineup features seasoned experts attuned to Otley’s natural landscape. Local ecologists Catherine Burton and Robyn Guppy will present alongside Francesca Bridgewater, Chair of Menston Area Nature Trust (MANT), which was established in 2021 to champion area conservation, crediting photographers like Francesca Bridgewater in its acknowledgements.
Catherine Burton’s credentials include habitat restoration specialisation and trusteeships with Wharfedale Naturalists Society and Wildlife Friendly Otley, positioning her as a trustee deeply embedded in regional efforts. Robyn Guppy, though less detailed in initial searches, joins as a fellow ecologist, contributing to discussions on woodland ecology. Francesca Bridgewater’s leadership at MANT, which supported FoWW’s acquisition through loans from philanthropists like Julia Davies of We Have The Power, adds financial and strategic insight.
Together, these speakers will unpack FoWW’s Community Consultation outcomes and a dedicated nesting birds survey, illuminating the woods’ biodiversity.
What Will the Talk Cover About Wildlife and Climate?
Attendees can expect a comprehensive exploration of Weston Woods’ pivotal role beyond mere recreation. As outlined in the Eventbrite listing by Otley 2030, the session will emphasise its function as a “crucial stepping stone for wildlife” in fostering a resilient landscape against escalating climate change threats. Topics span the current diverse species mix, potential newcomers, and prospective habitat enhancements through ongoing care.
The agenda includes ecological breakdowns, underscoring the woodland’s integration into the broader local ecosystem. Volunteering and citizen science initiatives will be highlighted, empowering residents to participate actively. A FoWW representative elaborated: “Join members of ‘Friends of Weston Woods’ to explore the vital role Weston Woods plays in our local landscape — not just as a beautiful place to walk, but as a crucial stepping stone for wildlife as we work to build a landscape resilient to growing threats, such as climate change. We’ll look at the diverse mix of species that already use the woods, those that could be using them, and the future possibilities as we continue to care for this special habitat.”
This aligns with Otley 2030’s mission, as per their foundational documents, to galvanise communities towards carbon neutrality, resilience, and fair sustainability over a decade of bold actions.
How Can You Attend the Otley Community Talk?
Practical details ensure accessibility. The event runs from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, 24 January 2026, at Otley Common (65 Walkergate, Otley LS21 1AG), the repurposed Otley Methodist Church now serving as a climate-positive cultural hub. Tickets are priced at £3, with £1.50 concessions and free entry for those unable to pay, promoting inclusivity.
Reservations are straightforward: visit Otley 2030’s Eventbrite page at https://tinyurl.com/westontalk or email comms@otley2030.com. Post-talk, a question-and-answer segment precedes networking with Otley 2030 volunteers over tea, biscuits, and “tasty sweet treats,” fostering connections amid discussions of ongoing projects.
Otley Common’s transformation, as discussed in Ethex Cuppa Club chats, exemplifies community innovation, tackling isolation, boosting the economy, and advancing sustainable retrofitting—now hosting this pivotal gathering.
Why is Otley 2030 Organising These Talks?
Otley 2030’s community talk series addresses pressing themes: climate change, nature recovery, and social justice. As stated on Eventbrite, these gatherings equip locals with expert insights while spotlighting involvement opportunities in Otley 2030 initiatives. The organisation unites over 40 community groups monthly for collaborative lunches and projects, amplifying volunteering networks formal and informal.
This Weston Woods event marks “Talk 4” in the 2026 programme, building on prior successes to weave climate action into positive community narratives. By empowering “Community Champions,” Otley 2030 meets residents where they are, enhancing health, happiness, and equity. Such efforts position Otley as a leader in grassroots environmentalism, with FoWW’s woods acquisition as a flagship triumph.
