'Friends of Dalby Forest' is an organisation inaugurated on 7th January 2003. Our aims are to increase knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of Dalby and the surrounding forests, as well as to encourage the involvement of the local community. Following changes in Charity law the friends became a limited company in April 2008 andl a registered Charity on 15th September 2008.

Whilst The Friends share many common interests with the Forestry Commission, we are, and will remain, independent, serving the needs of our members and acting as the eyes and ears of the forest.

Dalby Forest is managed by the Forestry Commission. The forest has not always looked like it is today; in fact it was not until the 1920s that the Forestry Commission planted the first of many trees. Formerly the area had been part of the Royal Hunting forest of Pickering and in Victorian times formed several rabbit warrens where rabbits were farmed for fur and meat.

An ever-changing tapestry of conifers, deciduous woodland and open spaces, provides a rich and important haven for a whole host of birds, mammals, insects and plants. Some of these species cannot be found anywhere else in Britain.

Foremost, Dalby is a multi-purpose forest, providing:-

Valuable timber, Wildlife and cultural conservation, Public recreation, Landscape benefits, A place for fun, wide open spaces.

The Friends of Dalby Forest are there to represent Members and to provide the best facilities possible for all who use the Forest. Many ideas are discussed at meetings - some have come to fruition and others are progressing, but there must be many other things that you would like to see carried out. If you have any suggestions then please get in touch with us by clicking here for our contact page or just Contact Webmaster.

The forest is managed by the Forestry Commission and occasionally the Forest Drive may be closed for maintenance, special events, or due to weather conditions and it is always advisable to check the forestry website for details.

The Friends of Dalby Forest have produced a Newsletter twice a year and a copy of this informative magazine was sent to all Members. The Newsletters link below or at the top of the page will take you to a screen shot of the cover of the latest issues. Following the change in the organisation and a shortage of contributions to recent issues no further issues are planned at the moment.

The Dalby Telegraph is a newsletter produced from time to time by the Forestry Commission, North York Moors Forest District, and the most recent issues can also be found by clicking on the link.