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

  • Big Chevin Balsam Bash: July 2026! - This summer we will be getting together to tackle the Himalayan Balsam growing across Chevin Forest Park. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that grows quickly and shades out other ground vegetation; by removing the plant each year, we hope...more
  • Big Chevin Balsam Bash: June 2026! - This summer we will be getting together to tackle the Himalayan Balsam growing across Chevin Forest Park. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that grows quickly and shades out other ground vegetation; by removing the plant each year, we hope...more
  • 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