York Community Woodland

High fire risk – to keep the forest safe, fires, barbecues and stoves are not permitted anywhere in the forest.

Visitor information

A growing woodland haven close to York city centre

Welcome to York Community Woodland, located near the village of Knapton to the west of York.

The newly-established woodland is a growing haven for nature enthusiasts, wildlife, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape into the great outdoors. It will also help nature recover across the wider landscape, providing habitats for valuable wildlife and helping to store carbon, alleviate soil erosion and prevent flooding.

You can visit Bell Wood, try a spot of birdwatching, take the dog for a walk along our flat paths or just sit and watch the world go by.

As the site develops it will continue transforming into a beautiful, interactive woodland for the people of York to explore and enjoy, providing health and wellbeing benefits for all.

See our site map

At a glance

Join in the weekly parkrun
Volunteering opportunities will be available at this woodland soon.

Things to do

Horse Riding at York Community Woodland

The permissive horse route follows surfaced forest roads. Access to the route from the bridleway are through horse step through stiles.

Whilst it is marked as a 'permissive horse...

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parkrun at York Community Woodland

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.These events take place in pleasant forest...

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Walking at York Community Woodland

There aren't currently any way-marked trails or routes at York Community Woodland but you're still more than welcome to explore the flat paths that cover the site. 

As the woodland...

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Wellbeing trail at York Community Woodland

Spending time amongst nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Follow the trail to take a mindful walk through the woodland that invites you to...

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Our work

York Community Woodland - a visualisation

Developing York Community Woodland

Find out more about our plans for developing this new woodland and keep up-to-date with progress.
Our work in York

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A sparse woodland with blue skies behind. On the forest floor is brown bracken.

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