North Yorkshire
England
Guisborough is the nearest town or village.
Guisborough Forest may have once had a covering of native woodland but this disappeared long ago when almost the whole area of the present forest was mined for alum, jet and iron. This industrial landscape has only been covered over by woodland since the 1950's. Access around the woodland is good with lots of paths and tracks.
Mammals: The animals most commonly seen in Guisborough Forest are rabbits and grey squirrels, both introduced to Britain from other parts of the world and both serious forest pests. Roe deer and badger are also present although these are rarely seen being shy of human activity.
WATCH OUT FOR PINE MARTEN. Guisborough Forest is one of the places where we receive occassional reports of pine marten. Please let us know if you see an unusual mammal. We have information about Roe deer and Badger
Birds: The forest has a variety of resident and migrant species. At the right times of year it is possible to see willow warblers, chiff-chaffs, crossbills, and siskins. Waxwings are almost an annual visitor to the area in winter, liking the berries on bushes along the old railway line and in the nearby house gardens. We have information about Nightjar
Habitats: This is a mainly coniferous woodland of pines and larches with extensive patches of broadleaves including oak, beech and sycamore. Parts of the forest are clear-felled as the crop reaches maturity, other parts are managed to maintain the forest cover. Extensive remains of the former mining industry persist creating a number of ponds and more specialised habitats.
How to get there:
By Road. From Guisborough take the A171 west to the A173. Follow the A173 for 300 metres and look for the entrance to Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre on the left side of the road.
On foot. Access on foot can also made via Belmangate and Butt Lane in Guisborough and via Hutton Lowcross village.
Enter through:
Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre
Facilities:
Activities:
Contact:
Brian Walker
Environment Officer
01751 472771
e-mail: nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
What's of interest
At a former alum working site in the forest near Hutton village is a RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Site). There is an on-site interpretation panel and areas where fossils can be freely discovered.
Did you know
Alum ( Alumnium phosphate)was needed to make the dyes used in the woollen industry permanent. At one time the secret of making alum was carefully guarded by the Vatican. Belman Bank in Guisborough Forest was the first place in Britain where alum was successfully made. Read all about it in "The Floating Egg" by Roger Osbourne.
What else is here
Useful sites
Find out more