Woodland

The North Yorkshire landscape is dotted with many wooded areas, from fairy glades and secluded spinneys to ancient woodland and vast forests.

These woodlands are made up of a variety of different trees including oak, beech, sycamore, ash and conifers and provide a home to a wide variety of wildlife including bats, roe deer and herons. Plant life, many of which are only found in ancient woodland, include fungi fern and dog’s mercury and wild garlic. One of the most spectacular sights comes in May when woodlands across the county are covered in a bluey-purple carpet of bluebells.

Hidden in the forest are waterfalls, both natural and manmade, follies and babbling brooks.  The rivers provide a home to many fish species as well as birds such as the Kingfisher. The beauty of these woodlands has been captured by JMW Turner.

You can explore on foot or on two wheels with a number of cycling routes and mountain bike trails. Listen out for the echoey peck of the woodpecker or the hoot of an owl during the night.

Some woodlands are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or conservation areas, highlighting the importance of these wooded havens to the wildlife of an area. Plus, designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.