"To inform and educate visitors about the history and environment of the surrounding area"
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre is open to the public most Saturdays & Sundays, 12-4pm, plus other special events (e.g. Wild Wednesdays, 2-4pm, during most school holidays)
'So Much More to Explore' - and now so much easier!
Our new information panels have appeared locally, along with waymarking roundels, to guide you to Bracken Hall, and to other local places of interest. These are the last part of our project funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The panels are located near to Roberts Park (on the way to the Tramway), on the Nature Trail upstream from Roberts Park, and near the pub on Shipley Glen. We hope they'll help you explore more of what there is to do, the local history, and what other tourist attractions and services are available. The waymarkers will guide you from each panel to the Countryside Centre so we hope to see you there soon!
Upcoming events & activities:
September's theme: Autumn Leaves & Seeds (free activities in the Classroom, Wildlife Garden and beyond will focus on this)
Autumn Wreath Making - booking essential: 10-11.45am, 14th September. Please book via Baildon Town Council contact (01274 593169 or enquiries@baildontowncouncil.gov.uk)
Spinning, weaving, etc., with Bradford Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers: Sunday 15th September, 12-4pm. Find out what the Guild does, have a go at spinning and weaving, and be inspired!
Dog Friendly/Friendly Dog Day 12-4pm, 22nd September. Lots of fun! Stalls, info, activities and the Grand Doggy Show Parade (dogs, please bring your friendly owners with you to take part)
Guided Walk with John Dallas: Tuesday 24th September, 3pm - Autumn Harvest in Shipley Glen valley – 3 miles. Please dress for the weather forecast with stout footwear
Mission to Mars! Workshop (more details to follow - booking essential): Saturday 28th Sept, 1-3pm. Workshop to inspire and educate (booking essential fobhcc@friendsofbrackenhall.org.uk)
Baildon Men's Shed: Thursdays 10am-12pm. Woodwork & good company! 07946 155 347
View from the wildlife garden showing part of the new pergola, the glass 'wall' of the new HUB, and the pre-existing Classroom (left)
The glass wall now forms the main entrance to the Centre. The pergola will play many roles including habitat for climbing plants, a place to sit, and, by use of screens suspended between the uprights, an excellent spot to view the wildlife in the garden
The Countryside Centre engages with many different aspects of the countryside, seeking inspiration from the surrounding countryside. We have a trail of carved rocks in our Wildlife Garden - can you find them all??
Access to BHCC and how can you help!
The Centre endeavours to open every Saturday and Sunday, midday to 4pm, except for Christmas Day. For the most part, the Centre is staffed and activities and events are led by volunteers. Could that be you? Why not pay us a visit or contact the Manager to discuss how you could get involved.
Please watch this space for further updates
School Educational visits and other bookings at Bracken Hall
The Centre has a proud tradition of educational visits, and continues to offer tailored sessions for any age group. The Centre is also available to hire for private and third-party groups, for activities and events in keeping with its countryside location and ethos. Hire rates are very reasonable (£50/day; £30/half-day; £15/hour) as are charges for our approved educational provider if required. Please contact the Manager for further details.
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Glen Road, Baildon, BD17 5EA
Follow us online, on Facebook, or email brackenhallmanager@baildontowncouncil.gov.uk if you have any specific enquiries
