York Community Woodland

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.

At a glance

Following years of collaboration with City of York Council and White Rose Forest, York Community Woodland is now open to the public.
20/08/2024 08:27
Dogs welcome
20/08/2024 08:28
No barbecues or fires allowed.
20/08/2024 08:29

Things to do

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...

Find out more

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

Nearby forests

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

Allerthorpe Woods

The area is very flat making it great if you want an easy stroll through the peaceful woodland. It is also very popular with wildlife experts, especially entomologists looking for...

Find out more
A view across an open valley with small villages and towns in the distance. With tops of trees in the foreground

Kilburn Woods

Experience stunning views and visit the iconic Kilburn White Horse at Kilburn Woods.

Kilburn White Horse is the most northerly turf-cut figure in Britain and one of the most famous...

Find out more
unsurfaced forest clearing

Stainburn Forest

Come and visit this forest of two halves just west of Harrogate. The coniferous canopy of Stainburn Forest provides the perfect setting for your outdoor adventure. 

For the keen...

Find out more
A line of conifer trees in front of a vast forest covered in mist.

Dalby Forest

Home to over 8,500 acres of breath-taking views, endless walking, running and cycle trails and Gruffalo adventures, a great day out awaits at Dalby Forest.

A visit to Dalby will...

Find out more