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The Big Bog Weekend

Celebrate the wonder of peatlands with a day of talks, events and activities.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Visitors can enjoy talks, films, hands-on demonstrations, creative workshops and family activities.

Saturday

A lively day of talks, art and discovery.

- Meet Peat Appreciation Society artists including Sheila Tilmouth, Katie Bates and Paul Knights.

- Discover the hidden world of moss with Johnny Turner, Calderdale based bryologist (yes - a moss expert!)

- Learn all about the amazing sphagnum moss and its propagation with Gill Wrigley from the Calderdale Sphagnum Project.

Sunday

A relaxed day focused on nature, science and hands on learning.

- Listen to talks from Peat Appreciation Society artists including Rachel Hawthorn, Sally Barker and Jo Kennedy.

- Talk from the National Trust about their moorland restoration work at Marsden Moor.

- Explore peatland science and the Great North Bog with Moors for the Future.

- Watch inspiring films at the WaterLANDS Bog Film Fest, introduced by Josh Cohen (University of Leeds) and chat to the directors about their films and inspirations.

Both days: family friendly, self led moorland art activities, plus National Trust Rangers and West Yorkshire Fire Service in the courtyard sharing conservation and wildfire advice.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

No need to book - just turn up!

Suitability

Children are welcome.

Meeting point

The exhibition will take place on the upper floors of Gibson Mill.

What to bring and wear

No special equipment.

Accessibility

Full access statement can be found on our homepage.

Other

No dogs inside the Mill please, although they are welcome on site.

Contact info

Hardcastle Crags Estate Office/Gibson Mill

Upcoming events

Mill exhibition: Peat Appreciation Society 

Discover why peatlands matter in this art‑meets‑nature exhibition.

Event summary

on
20 Apr to 26 Apr 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 6 other dates or times

Live Wild: Bushcraft taster sessions 

Join our expert Bushcraft Instructors, Leonie and Thryn, for a practical, hands-on experience at the beautiful Hardcastle Crags.

Event summary

on
8 May to 27 Jul 2026
at 18:15 to 19:40+ 4 other dates or times

Live Wild: Foraging taster sessions 

Join Live Wild foraging expert, Leonie, for a fun and informative foray into the practice of foraging.

Event summary

on
13 May to 28 Jul 2026
at 12:30 to 14:00+ 4 other dates or times

Live Wild: Bushcraft and survival day 

Join Live Wild for an immersive introduction to the world of bushcraft in the woodland here at Hardcastle Crags.

Event summary

on
20 Jun 2026
at 11:00 to 17:00