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, its history and natural features.

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

News & Events

  • Friends of Chevin Forest AGM 2026 - Join us for the Friends of Chevin Forest Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 5th May 2026. We’ll meet upstairs in the Black Horse, Otley from 7.30 – 9:00 pm. We’ll present our annual reports and elect officers for the...more
  • Conservation Task – Keeper’s Cottage - Join us on Sunday April 12th for a morning helping to tidy up and maintain one of our historical sites! The Keeper’s Cottage dates back to the early 1800s and was home to the Caley Deer Park keepers. Our conservation...more
  • The Great Chevin Pub Quiz 2026! - Come along to The Black Horse in Otley from 7.30 pm on Tuesday 10th March for this year’s Great Chevin Pub Quiz! Form a team of up to 5 people (entry is £2.50 per person) and come along to test...more
  • Bryophyte Walk 2026 - Want to learn the difference between a sphagnum and a haircap moss? Or a crestwort and a featherwort? If so, join the Friends of Chevin Forest on Sunday 15th February 2026 for an exploration of the bryophytes living in Chevin...more