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

  • Leeds Parks Festival - Leeds Parks Festival runs from 8 – 16th August 2020. There will be five core days of online events, each with a different theme: nature, sports, discussion, heritage, and play – check out the schedule here. Many of the online...more
  • Fungus Walk - Coming soon
  • Picnic on The Chevin - 2-4pm Bring your own picnic and join us for family fun!
  • Otley to be carbon neutral by 2030 - In 2019 Otley Town Council set out ambitious plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. On March 25th 2019 Otley Town Council became the second in Yorkshire to declare a Climate Emergency and commit to do ‘everything within the Town...more