Welcome

Otley Chevin Forest Park is on the ridge on the south side of Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, overlooking the market town of Otley and is a designated nature reserve comprising 700 acres of woodland, crags and open heathland. It is locally referred to as ‘Otley Chevin’ or ‘The Chevin’.

The park’s north-facing escarpment rises steeply to a height of 282m (925ft) above sea level at Surprise View and offers extensive views of the Wharfe valley.

A variety of historical features remain enabling a picture of the evolution of this landscape that is the result of many thousands of years of interaction between people and nature.

The Chevin has a number of footpaths and bridlepaths, rock outcrops and ponds all of which provide opportunities for activities for all ages.

Friends of Chevin Forest Park

The Friends of Chevin Forest are a group of volunteers who care about Chevin Forest Park (known locally as The Chevin) and we work in partnership with Leeds City Council’s Parks & Countryside service, who own and manage the land. Our aims are to increase your enjoyment of Chevin Forest Park and to help you understand more about the landscape, it’s history and natural features.

This website has been kindly supported by  Otley Town Council and Bondgate Bakery.

News & Events

  • Chevin Forest parkrun - The Chevin Forest parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! The parkrun takes place at Chevin Forest Park (see map below or here for course...more
  • Chevin Discovery Day - As part of Otley Nature Network, the Friends of Chevin Forest were joined by many other local organisations for a Chevin Discovery Day on Sunday 22nd August. Wildlife Friendly Otley, Otley 2030, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Otley Community Land Trust, Walkers...more
  • Chevin Forest Task Day - Our monthly task days on the Chevin are back! Tasks include hedge laying, seed collection, boardwalk construction, tree guard collection, orchard maintenance and scrub clearance. This work is essential to the management of this beautiful local nature reserve. To be...more
  • Eavesdrop - Eavesdrop is a sonic nature trail taking place in Otley over the summer of 2021 – check it out at The White House! Over 200 hours of wildlife field recordings from Otley and its surrounding nature reserves have provided the inspiration...more