UPDATE 11 : 31 May 1999  'GREEN GROWTH'
Moorfield School have discussed plans to enhance part of the Darwin Gardens site by establishing a wildflower meadow. The intention is for pupils to carry out a botanical survey of the present ‘picnic area’, then to raise and plant a range of suitable wildflowers, which could also attract more butterfly species to the site. Swathes mown through the meadow sward could give access to picnic tables around the Wharfedale Naturalists Oak. By combining a valuable educational experience with a permanent contribution to both natural and human communities, this project will form a vital part of Darwin Gardens, and we look forward to co-operating with Moorfield School in such a worthwhile venture.

The Darwin Gardens Trust has now been established to act as an official body for planning and co-ordinating work on the Darwin Gardens Millennium Scheme. We have started negotiations for a lease of the site from Bradford Council; and will be maintaining a link to Ilkley Parish Council via their Clerk & Administrative Officer, Miggy Bailey, who as one of our trustees, has kindly agreed to act as Secretary to the Trust.

The official opening of the Darwin Gardens Scheme is projected to take place on 24th June 2000, and could become the centrepiece of a series of events making up an Ilkley Midsummer Millennium Festival.

We have received an unusual donation from ‘Ilkley’s Most Outspoken Resident’. Frazer Irwin has presented the trustees with ‘official transport’ in the form of a mountain-bike, in recognition of the Trust’s encouragement of environmentally-friendly transport for visitors to Darwin Gardens. We intend to emphasise the accessibility of the site from the town centre via the attractive pedestrian route of Mill Ghyll; via the regular bus service from the rail & bus station; and of course by responsible bicycle users!

We welcome all contributors, whether as individuals, local businesses, or school and community groups to demonstrate their interest in this unique opportunity to celebrate the Millennium in Ilkley. By helping to create an inspirational, educational and recreational feature, of enduring value to both residents and visitors of all ages, we can all show our respect for Ilkley’s past history and our determination to act positively for the future of our town and its surroundings.

If you can also offer assistance in any of the following ways:
suggestions for planting schemes and other landscape features;
technical, artistic and organisational advice;
specialist construction skills;
labour, tools and materials;
fund-raising capabilities;
sponsorship; publicity; contacts;