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

  • Evening talk: “Geology of Otley Chevin” - Join the Friends of Chevin Forest on Tuesday 19th November to hear all about the Geology of Otley Chevin. The Chevin is a north-facing escarpment comprised of shales and sandstones laid down 315 M years ago in the Carboniferous era....more
  • Seed Gathering on Otley Chevin - Join Leeds City Council’s dedicated ranger team for a day out collecting seeds at Otley Chevin! The rangers will help you to find sweet chestnuts, acorns and beech nuts – in addition to other tree seeds that can be a...more
  • Fungus Foray 2024 - Join the Friends of Chevin Forest on Saturday 28th September to look for and learn about fungi on the Chevin! Our Fungus Foray will be guided by Andy from the Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group, you can find out more about the...more
  • Bat Walk (Saturday) - Join the Friends of Chevin Forest on Saturday 14th September for an exciting evening learning about bats and using bat detectors! Our bat walks will be guided by our Leeds City Council Ranger, Emma Towers. We will meet at the...more