Guisborough Forest

Guisborough Forest may have once had a covering of native woodland but this disappeared long ago when almost the whole area of the present forest was mined for alum, jet and iron. This industrial landscape has only been covered over by woodland since the 1950's. Access around the woodland is good with lots of paths and tracks.  

The 360 hectare (900 acre) beauty spot on the edge of the North York Moors is home to an amazing range of wildlife, from badgers to dragonflies and adders. Guisborough Rangers have created a mosaic of habitats which has increased the diversity of wildlife. There are mixed tree species, hedgerows, scrub, and rough grassland with an interesting and varied range of wildflowers. A wetland corridor of fifteen interconnected ponds and marshland provides an important habitat for wildfowl and amphibians. 

 

The 1,000-acre forest may be 10 miles from the North Sea, but signs that it was once under water abound, with ammonites, or long dead marine creatures that have turned to stone, found locally. Whitby Jet was also mined in the wood, famed for being worked into prized jewellery, but in reality, the fossilised remains of monkey puzzle trees that lived here between 135 and 195 million years ago. 

 

Wildlife highlights:  A family of albino squirrels were in residence in 2010! Roe deer are common, though hard to see.  Likewise badgers. Watch out for Pine Marten, it is believed that they may well live here.

Birds: Nightjars are present, and at the right time of year it is possible to see willow warblers, chiff-chaffs, crossbills, and siskins. Waxwings are almost an annual visitor to the area in winter, liking the berries on bushes along the old railway line and in the nearby house gardens. 

 

Access & Facilities: Circular waymarked walking routes in Guisborough Forest; Wheelchair and pushchair friendly; Orienteering Trail; Two dedicated cycle tracks; Easy walking access to the surrounding countryside, with maps available for various circular walks. Parking for 50 cars by the visitor centre.

 

Location: Guisborough Forest & Walkway is situated in Pinchinthorpe on the outskirts of Guisborough at the northern end of the A173. 

 

Opening Times: The Visitor Centre is usually open at the following times: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm