Welcome

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 ‘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.

Sign up to our mailing list to find out about events and activities: https://tinyurl.com/FOCFsignup

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

News & Events

  • Big Butterfly Count 2026 - 🦋 Join in with this year’s nationwide Big Butterfly Count! 🦋 When: Sunday 26th July any time between 10:30am and 12:30pm. Where: visit our pop-up stall on the Chevin next to the Surprise View Car Park. The Big Butterfly Count...more
  • Free Chevin Shuttle bus returns for 2026! - We’re excited to see the free Chevin Shuttle bus from Otley returning for 2026! Following a successful pilot scheme last summer, Otley Town Council is bringing back the popular service from Sunday, June 14, running every Sunday until and including...more
  • Big Chevin Balsam Bash: July 2026! - We are making great progress tackling the Himalayan Balsam growing in Chevin Forest Park this summer! Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that grows quickly and shades out other ground vegetation; by removing the plant each year, we hope to...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