The temporary signboards which "Darwin's Garden Army" have been using to keep visitors informed of progress on the site are about to get their marching orders! Construction of three permanent information boards is nearing completion, and these will eventually display a range of useful visitor information, including maps of the Green and details of the various features which are being installed to commemorate the new Millennium. As well as information on Ilkley's heritage from the distant past to the present, and on Darwin's connection with the town, there will be announcements of work party dates and other events to be held on the site. The main board is to be sited next to the 'car parking area', and there are smaller ones at the pedestrian path entrances from Wells Road.

Visitors can also benefit from three new seats that have been recently installed: Roger Holden of 'Woodwork', (also responsible for the signboards) has constructed a splendid oak seat surrounding the base of the Wharfedale Naturalists' oak tree, near the picnic area. Nearby is an unusual 'child-friendly' log seat, made from a single piece of timber by Bradford Council's Woodland Management operatives. (The Recreation Division of Bradford Council have already donated one of the new picnic tables). Near the upper bridge over the ghyll, the Council's Countryside Management staff have placed a traditional bench, provided by the Ilkley Community Fund (Good Neighbours) - who were the very first organisation to make a donation to the Darwin Gardens project.

In years to come, it should be an ideal viewpoint for the mass of wildflowers planted nearby by our volunteers, including children from Ben Rhydding Primary School.  Over 15,000 bulbs have been planted, including bluebells donated by David & Patsy Glover, and daffodils from Les Dewdney. This year's tree-planting season has started with a silver birch and several yews donated by Mr & Mrs Read, heralding the groups of 'dedicated trees' which we are planning to plant next month.  Ilkley Baptist Church has also kindly donated £50, bringing the total given to the Trust by the churches in Ilkley to a generous figure of £500.

The other trustees have bidden farewell to David Timmons, who has departed from the area for pastures new; in his stead we welcome Bob Briggs into the Trust to serve as our treasurer.

Remember that all our progress updates plus a host of other information on Darwin Gardens Millennium Green can now be found at our dedicated website www.darwingardens.co.uk  kindly hosted by Ian Chamberlain, one of the Trust's volunteers. We welcome all sections of our community - individuals, businesses, schools and societies, to become involved in this unique opportunity to commemorate the Millennium in Ilkley!