Modern plantations

Perhaps two thirds of our woods have been planted in the 20th century with the aim of providing a timber resource. Large forests like Dalby, Cropton or Boltby have now grown up along the southern and western periphery of the National Park. They have become an economic resource but timber production is by no means their only use.

These large plantations have a distinctive wildlife, including species like crossbill, goshawk and nightjar. Some habitats, such as wetlands and unimproved grassland, and a rich archaeological heritage, may have survived because forest was planted and modern farming practices have not held sway.

Landscape design is now a major part of forest management and the forests are beginning to make a more valued contribution to the natural beauty of the area.

Many larger forests are a superb recreational resource too and huge numbers of visitors come to the North York Moors to enjoy the countryside, well away from the fragile moorland landscape for which we are famous!

New woods are still being planted but today the emphasis is on the native. Several hundred hectares of new native woodland are now being established with the help of grants from the Forestry Commission.

The National Park Authority is working with many others to ensure that the woodlands will be here for future generations to use and enjoy.