Horse riders are welcome to explore our network of paths with a valid permit.

Permits can be bought by purchasing a Membership, which includes your horse riding permit plus other benefits.

The permit allows you to ride in a variety of woodlands including Wharncliffe Woods, Sherwood Pines, Blidworth Woods, Haywood Oaks and Matlock Moor.

Advice on riding in each wood can be obtained by contacting the local team.

Whilst we do not have any purpose built or waymarked horse riding routes, horse riders are welcome to explore our network of forest roads. Please also observe all operational signage and diversions. The public road passing through the forest is designated a 'Quiet Road' and its use enables circular routes to be followed through the forest. 

No permit is needed to ride at Gisburn. 

Why not try your hand at orienteering, a map reading challenge for all levels.

The aim for everyone is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map. If you are a little more competitive the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time.

An easy permanent orienteering course is located in Birch Hills and starts from School Lane car park.

Explore our newly accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site at Gisburn. Be in awe as the cosmos magically reveals itself in the skies over Bowland.

Gisburn Forest Hub is one of five sites within the Forest of Bowland AONB to be granted the Discovery Site status.

More information on the Discovery Sites and events can be found here:

https://forestofbowland.com/Star-Gazing

About

Coate Moor Forest is an area of 154.9 hectares of mixed woodland, although majority Coniferous, situated on the northern fringe of the North York Moors National Park approximately seven kilometres from the edge of Middlesbrough.

The lease was acquired by the Forestry Commission in 1950, with additions made in the early 1960’s. It has become a very popular wood for walking and is used by a large number of people to walk up to Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor.

About

Ingleby Greenhow is a 546.8 hectare Forest located along the northern scarp of the Cleveland Hills, south of Great Broughton and Ingleby Greenhow villages, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. It lies on a steep curving hillside above a relatively flat plain, and has acquired prominence in the local landscape.

About

About

Eastmoors and Riccaldale is a 1100.7 hectare mixed broadleaf woodland, situated in the south-west of the North York Moors National Park, due north of the market town of Helmsley and forms part of the York Beat. The land was acquired by the FC during the 1950’s and 1960’s through a collection of long-term leases although by far the largest is with Duncombe Park Estate.

About

Sand Hutton woodlands straddle the A64 York to Scarborough road, on the north-east edge of the City of York. The total area of Sand Hutton woodlands is 168.2 hectares with much of the surrounding land being arable farmland.

About

About

About

Throughout the year you can cycle around Broadfields Farm and explore the local area. 

Whilst there are no specific trails solely for cycling, all our trails are accessible for all and provide a 6.5km, easy and flat surface for families and young learners to develop their cycling skills and explore the forest. 

Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise that's easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It also has the added benefit of burning 20-40% more calories than normal walking! 

This is a chance to put your technique into practice and meet other Nordic Walkers. Improve your health and wellbeing with a new activity. 

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

We have outdoor seating and picnic tables provided in the grounds surrounding the forest centre and plenty more available around our walking and natural play trails.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

Swing, slide, splash and climb on our accessible children’s play trail! Explore iconic play features like the hollow logs!

We have a wide network of trails and paths throughout Broadfields Farm for you to discover and explore.

Dalby Forest is a fantastic spot to see the stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies!

Join Scarborough & Ryedale's Astronomical Society for free public stargazing sessions, or visit our family-friendly "Why stars matter" to discover why we have been awarded the Milky Way Class by Dark Sky Discovery.

Wharncliffe Woods is a popular destination for mountain bikers. It’s a beautiful spot with some challenging natural trails. Please bear in mind there are no official waymarked, maintained trails, so It’s really important that riders make sure their experience and equipment matches the terrain they’re riding.

About

1. The event will continue regardless of weather except in extreme circumstances affecting the venue or safety of the competitors. 

2. Tickets will only be refunded if the event is cancelled by the organiser. 

3. Any booking fee applied is not refundable under any circumstances. 

4. Event participants must be aged 16 or over on the day of the event.  

5. Suitable footwear and clothing should be worn, appropriate to the event and the location. 

Tender sales of surplus Forestry Commission equipment are held at various workshops on a regular basis, normally three to four times per year. These sales include forestry machines, civil engineering, agricultural and road haulage equipment as well as an array of minor miscellaneous equipment.

We currently have no machines for sale and this page will be updated when we have any available. 

From the distinctive table-top profile of Simonside in the south, to Wooler Common adjacent to Wooler town in the north of the area, the Forests of Rothbury are not short of stunning views in some of the most iconic Northumberland landscapes.

About:

The Brandon & Elveden Forest plan covers 1,430 hectares of Thetford Forest, in the county of Suffolk. The plan area has 621 ha held as freehold and is open access land.

About

About

The Highmeadow forest plan covers 1075 hectares of mixed woodland in the Wye Valley, west of the Forest of Dean close to the border between England and Wales.

About

Rowberrow Warren is a leased wood on the western side of the Mendip Hills, a little over 2 miles north of Cheddar, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

The Forests of Rothbury provide the perfect venue for a range of events. If you are interested in holding an event here you will need to apply first so that we can ensure your event doesn't clash with anything else happening in the forest, such as forest operations work. 

Once we know your needs we can advise you to make sure your event is a success. Please contact us no later than 12 weeks before your proposed event. 

Allow yourself three quarters of an hour for this circular walk starting from the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre. 

The walk climbs to the top of the beech wood, passes through a mix of habitats with nice views of Guisborough and beyond.