North York Moors National Park

The North York Moors National Park is an area of spectacular sea cliffs, ancient woodland and secluded dales that harbour one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in England.

The North York Moors National Park contains one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in England and Wales at 44,000 hectares. Recognised nationally and internationally as an important habitat for wildlife, the Park provides a haven for many threatened bird species such as the golden plover and the merlin. As well as brooding moorland and dramatic windswept North Sea coastline, the North York Moors has a rich cultural heritage, being an important region for mining and transport during the industrial revolution and remaining an important farming landscape today.

North York Moors

Did you know? Though ancient woodland covers less than 5% of the total area of the Park, the North York Moors is home to one of the largest concentrations of ancient and veteran trees in northern England.

Key information

Designation: 28 November 1952

Habitats: Ancient woodland, moorland, coastal cliffs, estuaries, beaches and seashore

Common wildlife: Red grouse, adder, brown hare, ground nesting birds such as the golden plover and meadow pipet

Star spots: Merlin

Notable towns and cultural sights: Roulston Scar Hillfort, North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Notable nature sights: Forge Valley, Dalby forest

Popular activities for visitors: Hiking, stargazing

Highest peak: Urra Moor at 454 meters above sea level

Annual visitor numbers: 8.38 million in 2019

Threats: Increasing pressures from farming, fire, visitor pressure, forestry

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Main image: Roseberry Topping © mariotlr