Wildlife at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and Shop

 

Mammals: Roe deer are common but rarely seen by any but the quietest observers.
Otter are returning to the area and observant enthusiasts can usually find their droppings or 'spraint' on stones and logs along the beck. They have been seen from the hide on the Dalby Beck Trail. We have information about Roe deer and Badger

Birds: Trails in the area lead visitors through a variety of habitats. Migrant species such as chiff-chaff, willow warbler and whitethroat compete with residents such as bullfinch and goldcrest. Dippers can be seen along the stream along with the occassional kingfisher. Evening walks at the right time of year produce those specialists of the dusk, woodcock and nightjar. We have information about Nightjar

Insects and reptiles: The Adder, Britains only poisonous snake is common in Dalby Forest although rarely seen. They are shy animals and only bite if interfered with. Near to the visitor centre is the only English site for a rare soldier fly Odontomyia hydrolean - bet you don't know what it looks like. We have information about Adder

Habitats: The mixture of habitats - coniferous and broadleaved woodland, road verges and grassland make this a good area for fungus forays especially in the autumn. The collecting of quantities of fungi in this area should be avoided. Please leave them for others to enjoy.

How to get there:
Follow directions for Dalby Forest given on the Dalby Forest page. The Visitor Centre is located approximately one and a half miles from the entrance to the forest.

Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)

	Information about educational activities is available by e-mail from this page or by telephoning Chrissie Hickes or Jan Bell on 01751 470702			The Dalby Forest Observatory is owned by Scarborough Astronomical Society. The first Friday in each month is an open evening when no charge is made and anyone is welcome to attend. These evenings, which begin at 7.30pm are used to look at particular sections or features of the night sky. We also arrange a 'Tour of the Night Sky' for organised groups of up to 40 people. The charge for this service is £50. Information and booking details can be obtained from the contact on this page or by telephoning Chrissie Hickes or Jan Bell on 01751 470702.

	A wide variety of education activities are provided most using a 'hands on' approach. Mini-beast hunting, shelter building, stream studies and habitat exploration are just some of the things on offer to educational groups of all ages. Activities are matched to key stage targets making it easier for teachers to link visits to their educational needs.

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