Local residents are being invited to a Halloween fundraising event in support of efforts to protect Rotary Wood, followed by a volunteer session to help maintain the woodland.
Born of the Forest and Save Rotary Wood are hosting the Halloween fundraiser at 2pm on Saturday 31 October 2026.
The event comes as the campaign to protect Rotary Wood continues, following the refusal of plans by Harrogate Spring Water to expand into the woodland.
Volunteers invited to woodland work party
The following morning, Sunday 1 November, the Pinewoods Conservation Group will hold its next Woodland Working Group session from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Volunteers will meet at the layby on Harlow Moor Road, outside the Harrogate Spring Water site.
Activities will include clearing invasive species, maintaining paths and carrying out other practical woodland work.
The group welcomes both regular volunteers and people attending for the first time. Participants are asked to let organisers know in advance so that tasks can be organised and sufficient tools provided.
Volunteers are advised to bring sturdy boots, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproofs if necessary, and long sleeves and trousers to protect against brambles and nettles. A drink is also recommended for a short break during the morning.
Planning appeal update
The Pinewoods Conservation Group has also confirmed that Harrogate Spring Water’s appeal against the refusal of its plans to expand into Rotary Wood has been received and is awaiting allocation to a case officer.
Once the appeal formally begins, notifications are expected to be issued and the appeal documents published online.
The group says it is awaiting the company’s grounds for appeal and confirmation of whether, and how, North Yorkshire Council intends to defend its decision to refuse the application.
The conservation group says it will update members and supporters as further information becomes available, including details of how the public may participate in the appeal process.