Wildlife at Cropton Forest

 

Mammals: Roe deer are most often seen but a small herd of red deer is established and are sometimes seen especially in the north of the forest. Badgers are common but being shy and nocturnal are rarely seen. Residents at Spiers Campsite and at Keldy Cabins, both in Cropton Forest, have the free use of a hide to watch badgers a close quarters. We have had reports of pine marten from this forest so keep your eyes open! We need more information on this very elusive animal in the North York Moors. We have information about Red deer, Roe deer and Badger

Birds: Cropton is a great forest for viewing Nightjars. Almost any area of felled trees and young plantation will have the birds nesting on them from May to August. We have information about Nightjar

Insects and reptiles: Frogs, toads and newts use the ponds around the forest. Small pearl-bordered fritillary, a rarer butterfly, frequents the area around Keldy Cabins.In boggy areas the bog bush-cricket a scarce animal in Yorkshire can somestimes be seen.

Habitats: Cropton is a mainly coniferous forest but it does have some interesting habitats. Residents at Keldy Cabins are treated to an outstanding display of a hybrid orchid swarm carefully conserved in the middle of the site. There is also an area of floristically rich rough grassland near the site. Old scots pine are frequent.

How to get there:
By car to Spiers House Campsite. Follow the A170 west from Pickering for two miles to the village of Wrelton. From here follow the the minor road through Cropton towards Rosedale. The campsite is signed on the right about one and a half miles from Cropton.

Enter through:
Black Park

Activities:

Contact:
Brian Walker
Environment Officer
01751 472771
e-mail: nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk