Otley’s unique wildlife arts festival returns

Now in its fifth year, the festival brings together art, music, photography, film, books, talks, exhibitions and ideas, offering something for everyone who is fascinated by the wildlife and landscapes around us. The festival gets underway on Friday 23 October at 7.30pm with a special appearance by popular television personality and Wildlife Friendly Otley patron George McGavin. His new talk, “It’s a Wild Life – Tales from Television”, will take place at the Wesley Hall at the Common, Walkergate, Otley with doors opening at 6.30pm.

After consecutive careers in academia and media George shares his personal journey to discover the world of wildlife - big and especially small - and explains why even in light of the current climate and nature crisis, his passion for the natural world is as strong as ever. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session. With a background in zoology and entomology, George spent 30 years in academia before becoming an award-winning broadcaster. He is also an Honorary Research Associate of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and author of recent books including The Hidden World and The Good Bug. Tickets for George McGavin are £22, with concessions at £16.50. Visit the link below to buy your tickets. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/otleycommon/2333241 Saturday brings a packed programme at The Common, including an art exhibition and stalls, free short talks and workshops.

The short-talk programme in the Common Chapel includes (times are provisional):

• 10.30am – Badgers • 11.15am – Nature Recovery in Otley • 12 noon – Toads • 1.30pm – What Makes a Healthy River? • 2pm – Adders • 2.45pm – Broughton Rewilding Project • 3.30pm – A Few of My Favourite Things – Mostly Fantastic Insects

There will also be a range of adult creative workshops, giving festival-goers the chance to explore their own artistic talents while taking inspiration from nature. On Saturday 24 October, Miriam Laville will lead Natural Forms with Mixed Media from 10am–12 noon, followed by Tony Driver with Autumnal Woodland with Collage & Acrylics from 2–4pm. On Sunday 25 October  Kim Coley will teach Drawing Birds with Posca Pens from 2–4pm. Adult workshops cost £15 and places can be booked by contacting [email protected].

Saturday evening will see the festival move into music and words, with Sarah Smout, Amy-Jane Beer, Chris Brain and Matthew Hedley Stoppard presenting a special celebration of nature through music and spoken word at The Chapel at Otley Common, starting at 7.30pm. Further details will be announced shortly.

This year’s festival also features an exciting new project creating a mosaic pond and bench showcasing local wildlife, whilst also alerting people to the pressures it faces.

Otley mosaic-maker Frances Taylor will lead several workshops where people can help create an installation that will enhance Otley town-centre for years to come.

The workshop on the morning of 4th October is already fully-booked, and the one that afternoon has only a few spaces remaining, but the two on the 11th October have still got availability, and at least one more will be organised. They cost £10 (£15 for two) and can again be booked by contacting [email protected]. No previous experience is necessary.

This project is part of the Seasons of Culture Programme funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council through the Leeds Cultural Investment Programme. The Otley Wildlife Arts Festival is a celebration of the many ways people connect with nature – whether through creativity, science, music, photography, storytelling or simply getting outside and discovering the wildlife on our doorstep. With a packed programme for all ages and interests, the festival promises to be a highlight of Otley’s autumn calendar.