Dalby Forest, Managed forest in North Yorkshire, England
Dalby Forest is a managed woodland in North Yorkshire featuring a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees alongside open moorland and river valleys. The forest spans around 8,000 acres within the North York Moors National Park, creating a diverse landscape for exploration.
This land was once a Royal Hunting Forest called Pickering Forest before the Forestry Commission took over in 1919 and began replanting trees in 1921. That transformation into a managed woodland still shapes what you see when you visit today.
The area shows signs of human activity stretching back many centuries, visible as you walk through the trees. Ancient burial mounds and earthworks from the Bronze Age sit scattered among the woodland, telling stories of people who lived here long ago.
The forest offers more than 30 miles of marked cycling and walking paths at different difficulty levels threading through the woodland. You can pick up maps and guidance materials at the central visitor center to help you navigate and plan your time.
The location holds official recognition as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, meaning the night skies here are exceptionally dark for stargazing. This designation allows visitors to observe the stars in ways they cannot easily do elsewhere, regardless of the season.
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