Wildlife at Newtondale Forest
North Yorkshire
England
Pickering is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SE 817 911
 Newtondale Forest is situated in one of the most spectacular valleys in Yorkshire created when meltwater from an ice age glacier gouged a deep gorge through the hills. Originally planted as a 'typical' Forestry Commission wood much has been done in recent years to restore the rugged nature of this incredible landscape.
Mammals: Roe deer are the most common mammal but is is possible to see red deer here - if you're very lucky. A small herd of red deer established themselves in the area in the 1980's. Badgers are also common and badger watching sessions from a hide are organised for visitors. Check the link to Badger Watching for details. We have information about Red deer, Roe deer and Badger
Birds: Watch out for dippers and grey wagtails along the beck in the bottom of the dale.
Insects and reptiles: Adders and common lizard are common but rarely seen. Look out for them basking in the morning sun on bare patches of ground in heathy areas. Unless you are very quiet and cautious they will retreat to cover very quickly. The valley is very good for butterflies - look out especially for small pearl bordered fritillaries around Raindale and Raygate Slack. We have information about Adder Habitats: Newtondale Forest is a mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland. Parts of the forest are planted on upland heath and in the valley on ancient woodland sites. There are fen areas,rush and bracken banks and areas of old growth oaks. There are numerous sheer cliffs - take care when walking away from waymarked trails.
How to get there:
By train. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs regular steam services from Pickering and Grosmont near Whitby to Newtondale Halt and Levisham Station.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap) Enter through:
Levisham Station
Newtondale Halt
Facilities:
    Activities:
    
Contact:
Brian Walker
Environment Officer
01751 472771
e-mail: nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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