Making nature more inclusive for everyone at Guisborough Forest
Guisborough Forest is already a much‑loved place to walk, cycle, relax, and explore but over the next year, it’s set to become even more welcoming thanks to a major programme of accessibility and wellbeing improvements.
These works are part of Inclusive Forests, a national project designed to remove barriers to those accessing the outdoors. Guisborough Forest has been selected as one of seven sites across England to benefit from these improvements, reflecting its huge potential to support local communities, improve wellbeing, and help more people enjoy the benefits of being active in nature.
What improvements are we making?
A series of upgrades will take place across the next 6 months to make entering, moving through, and enjoying the forest simpler, safer and more welcoming for visitors.
A more welcoming entrance to the forest
The current entrance gate will be replaced with a fully accessible chicane suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and adapted cycles.
A new accessible trail
Around 625 metres of trail will be upgraded or created to form a smooth, clearly marked accessible route. This links with the existing railway line path to form a longer 1.5 km loop perfect for gentle walks, wheeling or cycling.
New activity area with shelter
The activity area will be levelled and improved with a new shelter for activities on those rainier days such as yoga, Tai Chi, community meetings, school groups and wellbeing activities. Meaning people can get out into the forest no matter the weather.
Forest bathing area
Four leaning posts with mindful phrases will invite you to pause, breathe and enjoy the surrounding environment.
Improved signage and wayfinding
New signage will be installed using accessible design principles, including clear colour contrast, legible typefaces and improved mapping to help visitors navigate with confidence.
New accessible friendly seating
Five purpose‑designed accessible benches will be added along the new trail, providing regular resting points for people with mobility challenges.
Improved facilities for activity providers
A 32ft container will be installed to give our Active Forest Coordinator and community groups a secure base for equipment and session delivery.
Supporting future plans
Forestry England continue to work closely with Redcar & Cleveland Council on longer‑term improvements including upgraded parking and links to the upcoming active travel route connecting Guisborough to Middlesbrough.
How these changes will make a difference
By improving surfacing, signage, accessibility and shelter, we aim to make Guisborough Forest a place where:
- More people feel confident visiting the forest for the first time
- Community groups and schools have reliable spaces to use for learning and wellbeing
- People with disabilities or limited mobility can enjoy more of the forest
- Women and ethnically diverse communities feel welcome and represented
- Local communities adopt active, healthy lifestyles by incorporating nature into their everyday life
When will the work start?
Works will take place from Thursday 22 January with the new accessible trail being installed and the other parts of the project introduced as we enter Spring.