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 Task Day: August - In August, our monthly task day is moving to Saturday 13th August. This session will be led by volunteers from the FoCF committee and we’ll be undertaking a butterfly survey and reptile transect across heathland, woodland, and grassland areas. Time:...more
  • Chevin Discovery Day 2022 - Join the Otley Nature Network for the Chevin Discovery Day 2022!! On Sunday 31st July there will be stalls to visit and refreshments available from 11 am – 4 pm with some specific events: 11 am: Moth trap investigation (meet...more
  • East Chevin Historical Walk - Join the Friends of Chevin Forest for a historical walk around Chevin Forest as part of the Otley Walking Festival 2022. Meet your guide Penny Redwood at the far end of Station Rd., Otley, LS21 3HZ at 9.30 am, or...more
  • A woodcock Woodcock Walk Launched - The Otley Woodcock Walk, a poetry trail celebrating the iconic woodcock, has been launched with the unveiling of a sculpture in the Chevin Forest Park. The poem, entitled ‘Roding’ is written by official Town Poet Matthew Hedley Stoppard with guidance...more