Dalby Forest & badger watch

Dalby Forest is on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. The southern part of the forest is divided by a number of valleys creating a 'Rigg and Dale' landscape whilst to the north the forest sits on the upland plateau.

Trees & Habitats 

Although comprising mostly pines and spruces there are many broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, ash, alder and hazel both in the valleys and on the 'Riggs'. Clear streams arising in springs run north and south out of the forest. A lake has been created at Staindale.

Wildlife

The forest is a home for birds such as the crossbill and that elusive summer visitor the nightjar. Roe deer abound and badgers, the symbol of the forest, are a very common but nocturnal resident. The signs of past settlers are all around. Burial mounds, linear earthworks of unknown purpose and the remains of a flourishing rabbit warrening industry can be found throughout the wood.

Location

Dalby Forest lies just north east of Pickering, to the north of the A170 Pickering to Scarborough road.

Grid reference: SE855878

Access 

A network of forest roads including the 9 mile Dalby Forest Drive provide access to this outstanding landscape. 

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is situated along the forest drive just beyond the forest village of Low Dalby.

Facilities within the centre include an information desk, Forestry Commission shop, exhibition area, education meeting room, external and internal toilets and Treetops Restaurant with terrace. The Visitor Centre sells maps and booklets about the various walks and cycle trails within the forest.

Opening hours for the Visitor Centre are 9.30am until 4.30pm, daily throughout the year.

Visitors requiring assistance can contact a member of staff from the Visitor Centre on 01751 460295.

Admission charges 2008 

The following admission charges apply: foot, cycle and horse access is free; cars and MPV's £7.00 (a seven-day pass is available for £10.00); motorcycles £2.00; mini-buses £12.00; coaches £25.00 (by appointment only). Annual passes for the forest can be purchased from the Visitor Centre for £35.00. Disabled badge holders are not exempt from charges.