Dalby Project

Phase 1 - The Courtyard Complex £1.1m refurbishment has taken place within Low Dalby to create a courtyard complex. The refurbishment has allowed old Forestry Commission offices, estate yard and village hall to be converted into 5 craft workshop units, 5 offices for rent by private organisations, a new community resource centre, which can be hired for meetings and other events, a permanent home for the cycle hire centre, cycle wash facilities, cafe and new improved toilet facilities. The renovations were completed and ready for use in July 2005. Partnership funding from Yorkshire Forward (£375,000), European Rural Development Fund (£249,000) and Ryedale District Council (£50,000) has allowed the successful development of this area for visitor use.

Phase 2 - Dalby Visitor Centre Building work started in June 2005 on a £2.6m project incorporating partnership funding to create a 'New Visitor Centre at Dalby Forest', which opened its doors to the public in April 2007. Funding for this project was received from Yorkshire Forward (£1,000,000), European Rural Development Fund (£819,000) and the North York Moors National Park (£24,950).

The aim of the project was to create a visitor centre as part of a package designed to improve and develop the forest as a 'Regional Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Economic Activity'. It was expected that tourism activity would be developed in a way that builds upon, enhances and maintains the distinct character of the forest, which contribute to the special qualities of the National Park and creates real benefit to the local community in terms of economic regeneration, quality of life and an enhanced environment.

The project has enhanced the existing regional tourism product, attracting high growth and high spends within the local area, offering both opportunities for business and employment in the nearby market towns and villages.

The objectives set for the new visitor centre at Low Dalby are to:-

 Extend the length of stay on the site, attracting visitors to Northern Ryedale throughout the year including increasing overnight stays and increasing tourism spends in the local economy. This is to be achieved through the provision of a variety of activities within and around the visitor centre.

 Establish an integrated transport hub for the wider exploration of the National Park from the South. The visitor centre provides a central service for the Moor to Sea Cycle Network, the Moors Bus and the Bike Bus. Future links are to be established with the recently renovated Danby Moors Centre.

 Contribute to the wider understanding of the economic, environmental and social value of the forest. Displays within the visitor centre highlight many issues allowing education to all users. Development of a local heritage resource centre are on going.

 Provide Dalby Forest with a visitor centre built to a high specification, demonstrating a showcase of environmentally sustainable building techniques and operational devices.

Phase 3 - Cycle Trails Under phase 3 of the developments at Dalby Forest we have built 50km of new cycle trails to replace the old worn out and unsustainable trails. Our aim was to develop Dalby as a centre of excellence for mountain biking in England. Partnership funding to complete this project was received from European Rural Development Fund (£141,727) and work started in July 2005 and was completed in May 2007.

A skills area known as 'Dixon's Hollow' featuring 'skinnies' and 'northshore' was also created close to Adderstone Field with the assistance from PACE Mountain Bikes and Singletraction.