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Dalby Forest is an ever-changing tapestry of conifers,
deciduous woodland and open spaces, providing 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. | | Dalby
Forest - 20 million trees, an incredible sight. |
Dalby
was once part of the royal hunting forest of Pickering and subsequently became
a massive commercial rabbit warren for the fur trade.
Today it is managed
by the Forestry Commission and it's a brilliant place to explore during the autumn.
Bat sanctuary  Dalby
Forest is incredibly large so make sure you allow plenty of time for your visit.
The
northern part of the forest lies on an upland plateau whilst the southerly section
is criss-crossed by a several valleys, creating a 'rigg and dale' landscape. The
forest is great for a wide variety of woodland wildlife including birds such as
the Crossbill, Roe Deer and Badgers. The forest is also a popular haunt
for Common Pipistrelle bats. As you walk through the forest you'll see small
bat boxes high in the trees. Forest life  Dalby
is also a great place to see mammals including Deer, Badgers, Otters, Mice and
Shrews.
The forest is alive with woodland birds including the Siskin,
commonly seen in pine woods.
These little birds are traditionally a bird
of the Caledonian pine forest but they have spread south as conifer plantations
have sprung up. Their numbers have really increased - they're real gymnasts
with a real skill for hanging upside down.
Fabulous
Fungi  Dalby
Forest is renowned for its fantastic fungi but be careful - many of them are poisonous.
Amongst
the many varieties to be found are the Sickener Fungi (with its bright red cap),
Mycena (yellow brown) and the Brown Rim (highly poisonous). Conditions for
fungi are great in the autumn due to the damp weather so you're guaranteed a productive
fungi foray. The Forestry Commission runs fungi forays throughout the autumn,
when experts are on hand to explain which of these spectacular mushrooms and toadstools
are poisonous and which are not. | 
