2002 marks halfway through the Millennium Maze! A historic point has now been reached with the dedication of the 500th flagstone out of the 1000 stones in the Millennium Maze. Flagstone number 500 has been dedicated to HM Queen Elizabeth II, to mark the occasion of her forthcoming Golden Jubilee.

More feature flagstones have recently been laid in the maze, including those of Ilkley-Coutances Town-Twinning Committee and of H Eaton & Sons, and we look forward to completing the laying of these stones throughout the summer season. A flagstone has also been dedicated in lasting memory of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

New dedications are added quarterly to our display board beside the Millennium Maze. Full details on dedicating flagstones, with application forms and a regularly updated list of available flagstone numbers will continue to be available at the main signboard, and also on this website.

The signboards have now been completed by the addition of attractive colour artwork, which includes an informative map of the Green and information on the historic link between Ilkley and Charles Darwin, the world-famous author of 'The Origin of Species'.

As well as an outstanding display of native daffodils, this spring has also seen a welcome abundance of primroses, which have been planted at various sites on the banks of the ghyll. Other successes include the establishment of a cowslip bank beside the picnic area, and an impressive increase of snakeshead fritillaries within the wildflower meadow. Indigenous flora which is now regenerating following our selective scrub clearance include several areas of violets and an impressive display of golden saxifrage along the water margin.

We would like to take this opportunity to repeat our thanks to all those who have contributed to the successful development of Darwin Gardens Millennium Green. This unique area is our community's living commemoration of the Millennium, and we hope that all who have had a hand in shaping and caring for the Green, in whatever capacity, will continue to take justifiable pride and satisfaction in this shared achievement.