Article Link George Eglese runs Fontis Studio, a design studio working across culture, identity and living environments. He has been involved in developing contemporary approaches to Harrogate’s spa heritage, is the non-councillor lead for natural environment on the Harrogate Town Plan Committee, and has been involved in the 100-acre community land acquisition between Harrogate and Knaresborough. I agree with much of Iain Patton’s ambition. Harrogate should be healthier, gree

We have secured £18,000 from National Lottery Awards for All to help protect and strengthen our town-centre community cafe in Knaresborough. The funding will support Buttercup’s next stage of development as a warm, informal civic room where people can meet, share food, exchange ideas and find support in a friendly setting. Based in the heart of the town, Buttercup has quickly become an important local space for people who may feel isolated, excluded or less comfortable in mor

After more than three decades of community action, Save Crimple Valley has closed. Its remaining funds will now support Crimple Commons, carrying forward a remarkable tradition of protecting and caring for the valley. On 18 June 2026, former officers of Save Crimple Valley met with us to mark a significant moment in the history of one of Harrogate’s most valued landscapes. After more than three decades of voluntary action, Save Crimple Valley has formally closed. The decision

Convened by Harrogate-based designer George Eglese, this week’s meeting at Pannal Village Hall saw 50 residents, councillors, landowners and environmental specialists gather to explore the creation of Crimple Common and a continuous greenway through the Crimple Valley. George Eglese, who is also the founder of the Harrogate Cure initiative, a long-term programme exploring Harrogate’s renewal as ‘Britain’s Living Spa’, said: “I have long felt a need for Harrogate to do some pr

Today we hosted the first of three drop-in sessions at Pannal Scout to come and learn about our emerging ideas, contribute and get involved in how the community can protect and enhance Crimple Valley for both nature and people. There was a great buzz all day and lots of stopped by to chat and explore the plans. The next session will be on the 4th March (10am until 4:30pm) and then 16th March (10am until 4:30pm).We hope to see you then!

Around 50 residents, councillors, landowners and environmental specialists gathered at Pannal Village Hall to begin a conversation about the future of Crimple Valley. The meeting explored the emerging idea of Crimple Commons. A long-term initiative to protect, restore and reconnect the valley as a shared landscape for nature, climate resilience and public access. Early proposals include a new community common around Weeton’s and Leeds Road, alongside the restoration of wetlan

The sun was out as we set off into Crimple Valley, walking the land owned by North Yorkshire Council. A light breeze moved through the trees, carrying the hum of insects and the occasional burst of birdsong. It was the kind of day where nature seemed to lean in, inviting us to slow down, look closer, and listen. Crimple Valley sits due south of Harrogate, forming a natural boundary between the town and the historic village of Pannal. It is part of what is now being recognised

On the 3rd April, we presented the Harrogate Wildbelt to the quarterly meeting of the Nidd Gorge Advisory Partnership at Harrogate Civic Centre. The partnership has worked to protect the Nidd Gorge and Bilton Fields since 1983. It was originally formed by Harrogate Borough Council with conservation groups, recreational interests, landowners and local representatives. Over four decades, it has provided a forum for balancing nature conservation, agriculture, woodland management

A radical new vision that puts nature and water at the heart of Harrogate’s development was laid out on Tuesday evening at the latest meeting of the Harrogate Town Plan Forum. The forum is a group of volunteers who have come together to create a comprehensive plan for Harrogate’s development that could potentially be adopted by the new Harrogate Town Council when its first councillors are elected in May. Over the last few months, around 30 people have met regularly at the Uni

Article Link Over 30 attendees, including senior officers from North Yorkshire Council’s Regeneration and Parks teams, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, and Leeds University, as well as representatives from heritage, environmental, and community groups, including Long Lands Common and the Nidd Action Group, gathered for a landmark workshop titled “Growing the 21st Century Spa Town.” The event was led by George Eglese, an associate of the Institute of Place Management a