Charles Darwin's ground-breaking book 'On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection' first went on sale to the public towards the end of November 1859, during his stay in Ilkley. And in November 2000, the Bank of England has honoured this great figure by releasing a new ten-pound note design which features his portrait and other details connected with his life and works.

As part of the continuing programme of improvements at Ilkley's Millennium Green, a stretch of worn and boggy pathway, running along the full length of the western boundary, has been fully reconstructed with an all-weather rolled sandstone surface, by contractors RPS Conservation. In addition, a completely new section of path at the top of the Green has been built, forming an attractive link across the ghyll to existing paths and Wells Road.

This will be known as 'The Sand Walk', in honour of its famous original at Down House, Darwin's home in Kent. Darwin had the path constructed so that he could exercise by strolling round his garden in all seasons, whilst reflecting upon his scientific researches.

These pathways have created new circular routes through the Green, and have opened up a fine view towards the heights of the Cow & Calf. They also link up with the footpath to Linnburn Mews, and thence via Mill Ghyll, forming a virtually continuous vehicle-free pedestrian route to the town centre.

Worn and uneven stretches of the tarmac paths on site have also been repaired to give a safer footing, and we hope that all these improvements will allow visitors to enjoy a trip around Darwin Gardens Millennium Green at any season of the year.

The paths are already proving very popular - indeed Mrs A R Graham has donated £25 in gratitude for our efforts, remarking that "...now it's though I have a new lease of life". Thank you for your support Mrs G!

Support continues also for the Millennium Maze with the dedication of another of the 'feature flagstones', by Ilkley-Coutances Town-Twinning Committee. Our work has also been recognised at the Lord Mayor's Civic Thank You, where the trustees enjoyed meeting Bradford's Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and representatives from many other hard-working organisations that contribute so much to our community.

Please remember that all our progress updates plus a host of other information about Darwin Gardens Millennium Green can now be found at our dedicated website www.darwingardens.co.uk now kindly hosted by Ian Chamberlain, one of our 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!