BAT watching and guided walks are just two events sandwiched in a bumper package of things to do for residents and visitors in the Yorkshire Dales this year.

The Dales park authority has put together 180 different activities to showcase exactly what is on offer in the 1,762 sqare kilometres of countryside which attracts millions of visitors each year.

The package has been designed to cater for every age, according to the YDNPA's events coordinator, Cathy Bennett.

"We have tried to include something for everyone. The year-long programme is there for everyone to enjoy and hopefully, along the way, people will learn something about the National Park and what makes it so special."

"Obviously, the activities concentrate on the outdoors and the wildlife of the Dales, but there are also plenty of chances for youngsters to get their sleeves rolled up and have a go at different arts and crafts," she said.

Information about each month's events can be obtained from the National Park Centres, on the website www.yorkshiredales.org or in The Visitor 2005 newspaper sent out to all residents within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.