The River Derwent

Streams in the southern half of the Park flow into the River Derwent.

This river begins high up on Fylingdales Moor and makes its way south passing through moorland, woodland and farmland. It crosses the National Park boundary and heads towards Malton and then south to join the River Ouse.

The Upper Derwent, is the top part of the river inside the National Park and it provides a home for kingfisher, dipper and otter and is good for fishing trout and grayling.

Another special animal found in the Upper Derwent is the white clawed crayfish.

To find out more about the crayfish and other river wildlife, click here.

Many people enjoy being near rivers but they can be difficult places to walk. To help everybody to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Derwent, a special wooden walkway suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs has been built along a stretch of the river beginning at `Old Man’s Mouth` car park in Forge Valley near Scarborough.

The river is an important wildlife habitat, it supplies drinking water for Scarborough and money from fishermen helps local businesses.

The National Park Authority is working with farmers, landowners and fishing clubs to carry out improvements along the rivers that will benefit fish, other wildlife and local people.