Work to chop down 500 trees in the Nidd Gorge has been delayed until next week.

The Woodlands Trust, which is a conservation charity that owns Nidd Gorge, says the trees are infected and need to be felled.

They have a disease called phytophthora ramorum, which is having a devastating impact on native trees.

Government body Forestry England has given the trust permission to fell the trees before the disease spreads further.

Work, which will be accompanied by footpath closures, was due to begin yesterday.

A map showing the first planned footpath closure.

But it is now expected to start on Monday next week and will take between four to six weeks, the trust has said.

As part of the tree felling, a footpath between Bilton Beck footbridge and Milers Fork will be closed.

Paul Bunton, community engagement officer at the trust, said previously:

“It is devastating news for our site team and visitors that we are having to reluctantly fell these diseased trees at Nidd Gorge to protect others. Phytophthora ramorum, while of no risk to the public, is one of the biggest threats to our native tree species at the site.

“Nidd Gorge is and will remain a really popular and cherished woodland close to Harrogate and Knaresborough and we ask the public to bear with us while we carry out the work.”

Read more:

• ‘Eyesore’ Knaresborough green reignites concerns about state of district
• Secure woodland for dogs to play off-lead opens in Knaresborough

Overgrown grass on a community green in Knaresborough was cut this week following complaints from residents.

Homeowners on Appleby Green had described the site as an “eyesore”.

After they raised their concerns with Harrogate Borough Council and contacted the Stray Ferret, the green was finally mown on Monday following a period of more than four weeks.

However, they remain sceptical that the maintenance, which they were promised would be fortnightly, will regularly continue.

The impact of staff shortages on the council’s ability to maintain green spaces, plus its policy to re-wild parts of the district, has divided opinion. Some welcome the return to nature; others feel it looks untidy.

There are 200 houses on the Appleby Green estate, near the Nidd Gorge, with 14 situated around the green, overlooking the area.

Speaking on behalf of a number of homeowners, Stafford Dent said there had been numerous complaints raised over the last three years.

He said:

“It was only last summer when the head of parks and the parks manager visited the site with around 20 residents present.

“A plan of action was agreed with the management team to maintain key areas of the Appleby Estate, including, most importantly, the green.

“It was agreed the green and surrounding areas would be cut every two weeks.

“Unfortunately, Harrogate Borough Council have not kept their promise.

“Our lovely green is becoming an absolute eyesore.”

Appleby Green, before it was cut.

Mr Dent said residents were told by the parks manager that there weren’t enough staff to maintain areas across the district and the teams were working “flat out”.

However, Mr Dent said it had been an ongoing problem over recent years and the council therefore had “more than adequate time to manage staff attrition”.

He added:

“After numerous complaints the residents feel that we are constantly being fobbed off with lame excuses as to why key activities are not carried out on a regular basis.”

‘Striking a balance’

A council spokesman said a programme of work was in place to cut the grass in parks and open spaces, verges and other areas managed by the authority.

Read more:

• Leisure facilities closed at Knaresborough’s Conyngham Hall
• Secure woodland for dogs to play off-lead opens in Knaresborough
• New Dales bus service from Knaresborough and Harrogate

He said this was in addition to maintaining the numerous award-winning floral displays, for which the Harrogate district is well known for and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

He said:

“Like many services across the country, we have vacant positions that is having an impact on our ability to deliver the service as desired.

“Some areas are also being left to grow and not mown as regularly as we want to attract pollinators, encourage biodiversity and create habitats.

“As we’ve said before, this approach is favoured by some and an eyesore to others. So we have to strike a balance to ensure all residents can enjoy the district with the resource we have available.”

Mr Dent said he believed the council had only cut the grass on Monday on the back of “all the noise that has been raised”.

He said:

“I know in a few weeks time we will have the same old problem though, as this is an ongoing issue.

“In addition to sending an email direct to the parks manager, to which I received a response stating that her teams were currently so stretched, I have also logged a formal complaint on the council site. This has been acknowledged by the customer service team and I still await a response.

“It’s the same old issue, not enough staff to cope, but due to this being an issue for a few years, I feel that the management team have had more than adequate time to solve their headcount problem.”

A dog who who ran away in the Nidd Gorge has now been missing a week despite a major search operation.

Emily Watson’s white bichon frise, Molly, was spooked by another dog at 9am last Thursday.

Her last sighting was near the viaduct on the Bilton/Ripley cycle path.

Pippa Kemp, who has been helping Ms Watson with the search, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are desperate now. It’s not just the length of time, it’s how hot it has been and that no one has seen her.”

Ms Watson has put out regular appeals on Facebook to help find the missing dog and a group called Missing Molly has also been set up.

Posters and flyers have also been displayed and given out in the area.

Molly, the bichon frise.

In an outpouring of support, the community has been out in force searching for Molly, who was wearing a purple harness when she went missing.

Read more:

• Harrogate firefighters rescue dogs from hot car
• Rags to riches: stray dog from Harrogate stars in Legally Blonde musical

Volunteers have also come forward with thermal drones, a dog tracking team and thermal cameras.

Many have continued the search into nightfall.

Residents have also checked their smart doorbells and CCTV cameras for sightings.

And yesterday a search party was given permission to access the sewerage works, near to where she went missing.

Ms Kemp said:

“The experts who have been looking for her said it was unbelievable that she hasn’t been seen, but it does happen.

“We are holding out hope that she is out there somewhere.”

Ms Kemp praised the Harrogate community for their ongoing support.

She said:

“They have been amazing. We have had so many messages from people offering to help.

“Harrogate is unbelievable for pulling together when something like this happens. We are such a dog-loving community.”

The search is continuing today, with another tracker dog going out this afternoon.

Ms Kemp said:

“We just want to get some kind of evidence that she is still in the area. If she has moved about, or if she has been down to the river for a drink. If a scent is picked up today, it will be a recent one.”

Anyone who has seen Molly or who has any information is asked to call her owner Emily Watson on 07852 636641.

People are being asked not to approach her, while avoiding eye contact and sudden movements.

With the warmer weather (finally) arriving, nothing beats a walk in the Harrogate district’s beautiful countryside with your four-legged friend.

We are truly spoilt for dog walks in the area – from the peaceful Nidd Gorge to the rolling hills of Nidderdale.

But all that rambling is guaranteed to work up a thirst.

To help quench it, we have put together a list of four dog-friendly pubs in the Harrogate district.

Obviously there are too many to possibly mention, so get in touch with your favourites and send your photos to nina@thestrayferret.co.uk

The Knox – Bilton, Harrogate

The Knox often crops up as a dog-friendly favourite, with furry companions being considered very much part of the family.

The pub’s website says:

“Dogs are more than welcome at The Knox, and if you ask one of our team members, they’ll be more than happy to bring your four-legged friend a fresh bowl of water. From time-to-time, we may even have treats available to keep your dog occupied and happy, just be sure to ask one of our team.

“We’re an extremely busy pub and we want your furry friends to feel relaxed, safe, and happy at all times during your visit.”

Sportsman’s Arms, Wath, Nidderdale

The quaint hamlet of Wath is in a wonderful area for walking; the circular route from Pateley Bridge is particularly good, four miles out along the northern fellside and back along the river.

Once you have stretched your legs, you can enjoy a refreshing pint and a spot of lunch in the bar area of this family-run 17th-century country inn, while your dog curls up under your seat.

Read more:

• The quirky new Harrogate café where customers can cuddle chihuahuas
• Charity seeks volunteers to care for dogs in Harrogate district

The Royal Oak, Staveley, Knaresborough

Landlady Catherine Audsley outside The Royal Oak in Staveley.

Staveley is actually home to a nature reserve, which takes you on a lone walk that stretches beyond the village. It has many wild and rare species of flowers and wildlife and is perfect for a summer dog walk (they are permitted on leads).

Once you have admired the otters, of which there are regular sightings, head to Royal Oak, a traditional country pub that reviewers on Trip Advisor have described as “the most dog-friendly place I have ever been to”.

The pub’s website says:

“A selection of local ales and various seating areas offer somewhere for everyone – even the four-legged friend.”

The huge beer garden is also very impressive if you want to catch some rays.

The Royal Oak, Ripon

Another Royal Oak, this time located in Ripon’s historic Kirkgate, this renovated 18th century coaching inn is a firm favourite with dog owners.

Enjoy a walk at nearby Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden and then head into Ripon for a wander.

The pub’s city centre location is a great base to explore this fabulous part of the district.

Dogs are allowed in the bar area and there is even a selection of dog-friendly tables in the restaurant if you have worked up an appetite.

Five hundred larch trees will be felled in Nidd Gorge due to a disease that is ripping through the woodland.

The Woodland Trust, which owns Nidd Gorge, says the infectious disease is called phytophthora ramorum and is already having a devastating impact on native trees.

Government body Forestry England has given the trust permission to fell the trees before it spreads further.

It means some of the footpaths in the popular beauty spot will close this spring and summer whilst work takes place.

Paul Bunton, community engagement officer at the trust, said:

“It is devastating news for our site team and visitors that we are having to reluctantly fell these diseased trees at Nidd Gorge to protect others. Phytophthora ramorum, while of no risk to the public, is one of the biggest threats to our native tree species at the site.

“Nidd Gorge is and will remain a really popular and cherished woodland close to Harrogate and Knaresborough and we ask the public to bear with us while we carry out the work.

“Our community events are a great opportunity for people to find out more before the work starts,  especially those who visit the woodland on a regular basis.”

Read more:

• Green Shoots: Keeping Harrogate district trees healthy
• MP’s memorial tree at RAF Menwith Hill saved

Keith Wilkinson, chair of Bilton Conservation Group, described what happens to larch trees once they become infected with the disease.

“It’s not a mould or a fungus but it is between the two and it attacks the larch. The needles start dying. It takes a while to kill the tree, but once it’s got it, it’s doomed.”

The Woodland Trust is holding two drop-in sessions in Bilton where members of the public can find out more about the works and ask questions to staff.

These will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at Bilton Community Centre between 6pm and 9pm and on Nidderdale Greenway off Bilton Lane on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

North Yorkshire Police issued a statement today saying its investigation into missing Harrogate woman Marsha Wray remains open, 25 years to the day since her disappearance.

Marsha, 38, went missing after dropping off her two children at Hookstone Chase primary school on Friday, January 24 1997.

A few days after her disappearance, her red Metro Quest car was seen parked at Nidd Gorge. It was later recovered in Headingley, although who moved it there remains a mystery.

There have been no sightings since and no body has ever been found.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s first street ranger given licence to ‘fight grime’
• Crunch vote tomorrow on £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway

Adam Harland, of North Yorkshire Police’s cold case review team, said:

“The case surrounding the death of Marsha Wray has been reviewed on previous occasions.

“Despite extensive investigations and appeals, the case remains open.

“We are open to any new information leading to evidence in relation to the case.”

Marsha worked as a nurse at Harrogate District Hospital. Her husband of 17 years, Colin, said she had told him she was going away for a few days.

The festive season is over, payday seems like a lifetime away and there is often a sense of pressure to make big life changes at this time of the year.

And all of that is made worse by the fact it is still cold, dark, wet and miserable outside, with months to go until summer comes around.

So it is no surprise that Blue Monday – the ‘most depressing day of the year’ — falls in January.

Blue Monday usually falls on the third Monday of January, which this year is the 17th.

It appears to have originated in 2005 after a press release from Sky Travel used an equation to calculate the dreaded date.

So what should we do this year to beat those Blue Monday blues?

Harrogate life coach Lisa Duffield, owner of the Lisa Duffield Centre, has four tips.

1 Comparison is the thief of joy

“I wanted to share a little insight I have found within the clients I work with.

“Individuals that are suffering from what is branded the ‘January blues’ are all so focused on comparison.

“Comparison of this month to last month, this year to last year…

“You and your family’s goals or plans, compared to the family next door, or the family who you spend all your time watching on Instagram that you will never meet. And from this insight I bring you my first pill-free prescription to beat the case of January blues.

“Comparison is the single biggest waste of your time.

“Next time you find yourself comparing yourself to others or your life to others etc. just stop take a breath and if you insist on comparing yourself at all, think about you, how far have you come, what have you learned since yesterday, last year or even an hour ago.”

Harrogate life coach, Lisa Duffield.

2 Make realistic goals

“January blues can also shine through goal setting and unrealistic expectations.

“For some reason many of us believe that when the clock strikes 12 on January 1, you change into a new person, fitter, healthier, wealthier.

“Old traditions even show that we wish our first foot “all the wealth, health and happiness” for the New Year. While this is very kind, it does not mean that you have to become an overnight fitness fad and a self-made billionaire.

“Here comes the second tip, make realistic goals that you know you are able to achieve.

“You may have a big dream and that is amazing, but break it down into incremental chunks.

“Make smaller goals that you know will get to. They could be ‘eat more green veg’ or ‘move for an extra 30 minutes per day’, rather than ‘complete a bodybuilding competition and win in three months’.”

• Four wellness retreats in the Harrogate district to re-energise mind, body and soul
• The Malcolm Neesam Harrogate History Walks: The Heart of Harrogate Town Walk

3 Surround yourself with positivity

“Spend time with those who make you happy.

“Over Christmas many of us spend a lot of time with family and friends, we make the effort to go and see relatives that we haven’t seen since the year previous, or we say Merry Christmas to people in the street and smile.

“This makes us happy because we have also made others feel happy. Why stop?

“You can still spend time with ones you love and you can still engage with people in the street. A simple good morning or hello will work wonders.”

4 Try something new

“Last but not least. We’ve all heard it. ‘Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results’.

“It’s time to try something new.

“If you are looking for a different result in 2022 and maybe you are feeling a little deflated, step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

“You will be surprised the paths this teeny act can lead to, you meet new people, learn and experience new things.”

4 ways to cheer yourself up on Blue Monday – by Nina Meads

1 Go for a walk

Nidd Gorge, is one of the many scenic walks that explore nature in the Harrogate district.

In the Harrogate district, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by stunning countryside. We really are spoilt for choice and personal favourites are Thruscross Reservoir, Nidd Gorge and Hookstone Wood. You also can’t beat a walk around the grounds at Fountains Abbey or Knaresborough waterside.

So lace up those walking boots and head out into the great outdoors. Fresh air and being amongst nature will boost your mood.

If you’re at work, grab a coffee and go for a stroll on your lunch break.

2 Pamper yourself

Rudding Park Spa.

If you want to really spoil yourself, book into Harrogate’s Turkish Baths or enjoy a spa session at Rudding Park, Grantley Hall or Swinton Park.

If money or time is tight, nothing beats a good bath and a book.

3 Do some exercise and practice mindfulness at a Festival of Wellbeing in Harrogate

A ‘festival of wellbeing’ is being held in Harrogate.

While it’s not taking place on Blue Monday itself, OneWellness, in Mowbray Square, is hosting a second Festival of Wellbeing on Saturday, January 15, to help boost mental health.

The free festival from 9am until 4pm, which is being run in association with Mind Harrogate, Sweaty Betty and Hustle & Co, will offer a range of fitness, nutrition and health classes and talks.

From mindfulness and wellbeing, relax and de-stress yoga, to Pilates, barre, and dance cardio classes, the wellbeing experts at OneWellness have tailored each lesson to suit everyone and help boost physical fitness levels whilst increasing positive wellbeing.

4 Meet a friend for a cuppa and cake

Betty’s Harrogate.

The Harrogate district has some of the best coffee shops and tearooms in the country, including lots of amazing independents and the famous Betty’s.

Arrange to meet a friend for a catch-up and lots of laughs. After all, laughter is good for the soul. Oh and don’t forget the cake. That’s essential.

The Woodland Trust is trying to track down a white van that caused £1,000 of damage to a barrier at the entrance to the Nidd Gorge car park on Ripley Road in Scotton.

Witnesses say they saw the van hit the height restriction barrier as it attempted to enter the car park on Saturday July 31 at about 10am.

The heavy gauge steel barrier was bent backwards and several visitors in the car park at the time gathered around the van. But the vehicle’s number plate has yet to be identified.

Read more:

• Muddy footpath in Nidd Gorge transformed
• ‘So happy’: Nidd Gorge memorial bench restored after vandalism

The Woodland Trust owns the car park and maintains the woods in the gorge, which is a popular location for hikers and dog walkers.

A spokesperson for the Woodland Trust said:

“The Woodland Trust is a charity that protects woodland areas for the public good. It relies on donations to do this. Ideally, we would like to identify the driver or vehicle so we can try to recover the approx £1,000 repair cost and not divert it from other essential woodland protection work.

“We would be grateful if anyone can help us to identify the van or driver, by providing a vehicle number plate for example.”

Anyone with information can contact The Woodland Trust on 0330 3333300 or email: enquiries@woodlandtrust.org.uk . Emails should have the subject heading ‘Nidd Gorge – Height Barrier Damage’.

A muddy footpath in Nidd Gorge has been transformed thanks to Bilton Conservation Group.

12 volunteers from the group spent 77 hours this week laying the 45-metre footpath, which is close to Tennyson Avenue, using 13 tonnes of limestone ballast. 

It was funded through a £1,000 grant from Bilton Conservative county councillor Paul Haslam’s Locality Budget. 

The main ‘Millennium Path’ was laid by the group in 2015 and was extended towards Tennyson Avenue in 2016.

The group had attempted a lightweight boardwalk solution three times, only to find it damaged by vandals.

Read more:

• Harrogate man’s mission to grow record-breaking jumbo pumpkins
• Bilton man cleans Nazi graffiti off mural bridge

Keith Wilkinson MBE from Bilton Conservation Group praised Warren Considine for masterminding the project.

He said:

 “The 45-metre extension created on Monday made good a very muddy natural surface which had become dangerous to walk in.”

Cllr Paul Haslam added:

“I use my Locality Budget to focus on things that improve the environment for as many people as possible.”

A Harrogate woman is keen to put on her walking boots and head to the Nidd Gorge after the council restored a memorial bench dedicated to her late husband.

Colin James died aged 55 from cancer in 2015. He was born in Manchester but moved to Harrogate to be with Sylvia and loved to go on dog walks in Nidd Gorge.

For that reason Sylvia bought the bench and was devastated earlier this year when she saw its slats had been broken.

Her family set up a fundraiser to replace the bench but Harrogate Borough Council offered to replace it for free.

Nidd Gorge Community Action, which protects the area, has now reported on its Facebook page that the bench has been restored.

Read more:

• Memorial bench vandalism devastates Harrogate families
• Vandalised Nidd Gorge bench to be replaced for free

The broken bench, pictured in May.

The £540 raised for repairs will now go to St Michael’s Hospice, the charity that cared for Colin before he died.

Sylvia James told the Stray Ferret today she was “so happy” and added:

“I found out on Father’s Day so it could not have been better timing really.

“Ever since it was vandalised I have avoided going to visit the bench, I did not want to see it like that. It would have torn me apart.

“Now that it has been restored I cannot wait to visit.”