Wildlife at Birch Hall
Langdale Forest
North Yorkshire
England
Langdale End is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SE926926
Situated in the south east corner of Langdale Forest Birch Hall Camp is now a scout camp. Originally it was a Ministry of Labour 'Instructional centre' before becoming a military camp in World War Two. The area around the camp is a mixture of coniferous plantation and native broadleaved woodland.
Mammals: Roe deer are common in the area. They are best seen at dawn and dusk by the quiet observer. Work is currently being carried out to increase the suitability of the forest for water voles. This nationally scarce animal is just 'hanging on' on the North York Moors. Click on the link to water voles for more information.
Birds: The forest supports a variety of birds including a good population of visiting nightjars from Africa. We have information about Nightjar
Insects and reptiles: Adder and common lizard are frequent in Langdale Forest. Adders pose no threat to people who leave them well alone. They only bite if provoked by standing on them or trying to pick them up. We have information about Adder
How to get there:
Follow the road north west from the little village of Langdale End until you reach a minor junction signed for Birch Hall. You can turn left, at the next fork which leads to Birch Hall Scout Camp, or keep straight on to the wood. There is no formal parking in this area, parking is by the roadside. Please do not obstruct gateways as emegency access may be required. You are strongly advised to use the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL27 North York Moors Eastern area map when visiting this area as it is a large remote forest.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Contact:Brian Walker
Environment Officer
01751 472771
e-mail:
nym@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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