A NUMBER of gentle walks looking at the wildlife, geology and social history will take place across the North York Moors this summer.

The walks have been arranged as part of the Lime and Ice Project, which aims to open up access to south-west corner of the national park.

The first walk, led by Phil Lyth, will start at 2pm on Saturday and will follow the River Rye from Nunnington, looking at the grasslands that cover the area and the conservation work going on to protect them.

The next walk, on Saturday, July 17, at 2pm, will look at the distinctive geology of Ampleforth and the Coxwold-Gilling Gap, which was created by two parallel fault lines.

A final walk will take start at Hutton le Hole on August 21, looking at the historic natural watercourses designed by Joseph Foord in the 18th Century.

Jennifer Smith, Lime and Ice project officer, said: "Taken at a leisurely pace through rolling countryside, these informative walks will stretch the legs and the mind.

"The rich tapestry of habitats found on the walks also offers a great opportunity for wildlife spotting, from kingfishers darting along the river banks to skylarks fluttering above farmland and the moors."

To book a place on a walk and for information on where to meet, call 01439-772738.