"To inform and educate visitors about the history and environment of the surrounding area"
WE ARE OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY THROUGHOUT DECEMBER AND OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD. CLOSED 4th & 5th JANUARY 2025
'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:
Pre-Christmas Rocket Workshop. Saturday 14th, 1pm - 3pm. Join our astronomer Paul Neaves Introduction to rocket science. Make a rocket (with added sparkle) Launch with compressed air. Suitable for Primary School Age (with accompanying adult) Places are limited so please book early on fobhcc@friendsofbrackenhall.org.uk
Christmas Workshop. Saturday 14th, 10am - 12pm. Christmas decorations including baubles, paper chains and small wreaths etc. No booking required.
Boxing Day Walk. Thursday 26th 11am. Join John Dallas for his famous Boxing Day walk. Starting at BHCC with a relaxing stroll along Shipley Glen or Baildon Moor and Hope Hill. Then, return to BHCC for a hot cuppa or a swift visit to the pub for something stronger. Ensure suitable clothing, footwear is worn for the weather on the day. Weather permitting.
CENTRE CLOSED 4th & 5th January 2025
Walkers are Welcome Millenium Way Circular Walk Project Launch and First Walk. Saturday 18th January 2025, 9.30 am. As part of Bradford 2025. Join us for the launch of the walks programme at Bracken Hall Countryside Centre – Glen Road, Baildon, Shipley, BD17 5EA. Baildon Walkers are Welcome invite you to join them for a brief fanfare for the 16 walks. Or just turn up in time for: 10.00 am : Baildon Walkers are Welcome will lead the first circular walk of the series – a circular walk of 8 miles looping through Bingley and back to Bracken Hall. A walk of moderate difficulty – a two boot walk using the Countryside Team grading . Bring a packed lunch. Expected back at Bracken Hall between 14.00 and 15.00.
John Dallas Guided Walk. Tuesday 21st January 2025, 3pm. Discover Shipley Glen with our experienced guide and walker, John Dallas starting from Bracken hall countryside centre then exploring the surrounding area (3 miles) . Ensure appropriate footwear and clothing is suitable for the weather on the day please.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch weekend. Saturday 25th January & Sunday 26th January 2025. Take part in The Big Garden Bird watch & enjoy our feathered related crafts. For all ages. https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch
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. 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
