The Darwin Gardens Trust held their first Annual General Meeting in conjunction with Ilkley Parish Council's public open meeting on February 14th, providing a forum for discussion and suggestions for future development of the Millennium Green. The work of the trustees was warmly praised by the Parish Council and also by a representative of Ilkley Civic Society, as a very welcome and popular contribution to Ilkley's amenities.

Another feature flagstone has been laid in the Millennium Maze - dedicated by Chippindale Plant Ltd, who have generously supported the Darwin Gardens Trust by donations of hire plant during construction of the Millennium Green. The ceremony was attended by Peter Chippindale - one of the firm's directors who lives in Ilkley, and whose children are no strangers to the intricate winding s of the Maze!

Ilkley Rotary Club have turned out in force as a 'ground force' work party. Led by their President, Simon Thornton, and assisted by Darwin Gardens Trust volunteers, they have planted several red-flowering chestnut trees to fill the 'missing links' in the avenue bordering Wells Road. We congratulate their initiative in laying this foundation of a splendid display for many years to come, as a fine way to mark the start of the new Millennium.

To complete this season's tree-planting, two further trees have been placed on the slopes above the ghyllside:  local residents Paul & Lindsay Kitching dedicated these oak and lime trees in memory of relatives. Our volunteers are now midway through checking on the progress of every one of the thousand hedgerow trees in our developing wildlife hedge. We are pleased to report that over 96% are growing on successfully, and we have good reserves of self-seeded stock on site which we can transplant if necessary to fill any gaps.

Our free information leaflet is available at the Tourist Information Centre adjoining the public library. The leaflet contains a handy map, brief descriptions of the features to be found on the Green, and also an application form for visitors who would like to dedicate a flagstone in the Millennium Maze. A map of the maze and current list of flagstone numbers available is maintained on our main information board next to the car-parking area, and also on this website.

Please take note that we will have to suspend work and temporarily restrict public access to the Millennium Green during the precautionary restrictions caused by 'foot & mouth disease' prevention measures - watch out for notices at the site boundary.
The Order restricting site access is due to take effect on 5th March until further notice.