The North York Moors National Park was born on November 28, 1952 (the same year tea rationing ended). The country’s sixth national park, it was created with the aim to protect the landscape and encourage everyone to visit. If you have, chances are you’ve been enchanted by the area. So pop the kettle on and reminisce by reading about what the moors mean to these people who live and work there. And if you haven’t visited yet… what are you waiting for? Find out more about the national park and events to mark the anniversary at northyorkmoors.org.uk
Tom Hind
Chief Executive, North York Moors National Park Authority
I grew up in Sheffield and have lived all over – London, Brussels, Bedfordshire - but now I live in the Vale of Mowbray, roughly halfway between Thirsk and Masham. I’m a keen cyclist, so you’ll often find me out on a road bike over the weekend. My wife and I also have a very active spaniel who loves long walks, especially those that involve clambering over rocks or taking cooling dips in streams and rivers.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
Fundamentally it’s a special place: where you quieten your voice when you arrive, have your breath taken away by the wonder of what you see, feel a sense of physical and emotional wellbeing when you’re there. One thing that has struck me since being here is the sense of shared pride that we – not just the Authority but many of the people who live and work here – have in the national park and the welcome we want to offer to those who visit.
What is your favourite memory of the national park?
Walking the Lyke Wake Walk as a teenager – seeing the golf balls (as it was then) at Fylingdales on the horizon at sunrise and the sense of elation walking into Osmotherley at the finish. It’s memories like this (plus picking bilberries as a kid at Sutton Bank) that sparked my enthusiasm for taking on this role
Where will the North York Moors National Park be in another 70 years?
The new National Park Management Plan sets a vision for a resilient landscape at the forefront of addressing climate change and nature recovery. Given the existential threat climate change poses and the role the North York Moors can play in addressing the biodiversity crisis, I’d expect the landscape to be an even greater haven for wildlife with an even greater variety of species and habitats that are more connected. But the beauty of our National Parks is that they’re also about people. A real focus of the plan is the role that the North York Moors can play in lifting the nation’s health and wellbeing, especially those communities that live on its periphery in Yorkshire and Teesside. Seeing a place that’s not only cherished by the people who live here, but by all of those communities who live in York, Scarborough and Middlesbrough, would be a real triumph.
Why should people visit?
North York Moors is perhaps one of the most varied and surprising National Parks in the UK. We might be famous for our heather moorland, but we also have ancient woodlands, powerful rivers, a stunning coastline and incredibly rich history and heritage. It’s just been announced that the Coast to Coast is to become the third National Trail to travel through the North York Moors (along with the Cleveland Way and England Coast Path), and we also have ambitions to become the premier family cycling destination in the north of England. From walking to whale watching, art galleries to fine local foods, there’s no end of different experiences.
Philip Thurlow
Owner of Yorkshire Cycle Hub, Great Fryup Dale, Danby
Cycling was my hobby originally, but the long-term goal was always to have a business closer to home in Fryup, as that’s the place I love and want to spend the rest of my life. Why commute for 45 minutes when I can get on my bike and ride to work?
I do tours for groups around the moors, plus a social ride every other Saturday. The best way to get to know the area is to cycle around it, because there’s not a lot of landmarks; sometimes the only things are sheep, and they move, so it can be difficult to give directions!
We also have a cafe at the cycle hub, which was an instant success. Partly because we made the most of the fact we’re in Great Fryup Dale - we’re famous for our massive breakfasts. The biggest one, the Fat Betty, is named after an ancient stone on the moors, not a large chef! And we have a little joke that we’re surrounded by farms but we do an amazing vegan breakfast, too.
We employ local people and use local businesses like butchers and bakers for the cafe - there’s a real supportive, community feeling. People from local farms come on my cycle tours, too. There’s a lot of mutual support and respect here.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
A managed environment that will hopefully be around for a long time. It’s about beauty, local features, embracing and preserving the way of life.
Where is your favourite place in the national park?
On top of the moors, looking down into the valleys, where you can see all the local farms, know who lives where, watch the farmers working and life passing by.
Why should people visit?
To take advantage of the peace and quiet. It’s a well-kept secret - a lot of visitors to the cafe say they’ve never heard of the area. People from Scarborough, even. But now they come here instead of the Lake District because it’s so close and just as nice. Our Bunk House accommodation is a fantastic base for exploring the area.
Martin Hopkinson
Skipper of Three Sisters Sea Trips, Staithes
I never get sick of looking back at the Yorkshire coastline from the sea - and from the perspective of people who’ve not seen it before. The more I do this job, the more I appreciate it.
I’ve had the boat for six years, but I’ve always been involved with the sea, from angling to working with the RNLI. Now I run fishing trips and take out groups of wildlife spotters. We see everything from bottlenose dolphins and seals to sea birds and humpback whales.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
It’s about the coast as well as land. It takes some beating. Many people from further south discovered this area during the lockdowns in 2020. They thought it was grim up north, but have realised it’s beautiful.
Why should people visit?
Because it’s God’s own country. No matter where you go, when you come back you feel you’re home.
Alison Goodwin
Owner of Adventures for the Soul, wellness, mindfulness, yoga and nature experiences, Brandsby
I’m from Worcestershire originally, but I’ve lived in a variety of places, including the north. About five years ago, I realised I wanted to be back up north, and to develop a nature-based business, which is what I did. Now I live close to the North York Moors National Park border.
I set up Adventures for the Soul in 2019, which was interesting timing with Covid, but 2021 was a good year. I aim to bring nature to life on walks, pointing out sensory elements, foraging and weaving in history. When people come, they go ‘wow!’. We have some stunning locations here, off the beaten track, and I see it as a chance to press pause on a busy life.
The dark skies experiences have really captured people’s imaginations, and they start getting busy at this time of year, right through to March. It is amazing what you can see, as there is no light pollution. It’s fascinating to see some of the places in the national park that get very busy during the summer, like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, when they are completely quiet at night.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
It’s a fascinating national park. There is fantastic diversity of nature - moorland, dales, purple heather, traditional farming, fantastic local produce, forests that a lot of people don’t know about, coastline. It isn’t just moors. It’s perfect for the work I do. And the people are so friendly, I don’t feel like an outsider.
What is your favourite memory of the national park?
I have so many fabulous memories, but one special one is when I hired a cottage on the coast at Cloughton with my whole family. We went walking, had days out, and just spent time together. A lot of people forget about that bit of the coast.
Where will the North York Moors National Park be in another 70 years?
I hope it retains its traditional roots, in terms of culture and the way of life. And work is being done in biodiversity to increase wildlife in the area. I really hope people visit in a way that is sustainable, meaning it is protected for future generations.
Claire Midgeley
Engagement Officer for the Dialect and Heritage Project, based at Ryedale Folk Museum
My work is to get people talking about dialect. I look at what words were recorded in the past and whether these words are still in use - it’s part of a current research project run by Leeds University. We also record local people with interesting stories to tell.
I travel round shows and events, meet with community groups and hold reminiscing sessions, where people share their stories and dialect words. The North York Moors area has some great examples that are still alive and kicking. Do you know what ‘stickybobs’ is? Goosegrass. Heard of a ‘rantipole’? It’s a seesaw. And a ‘fuzzock’ or ‘bunkus’ is a donkey.
The project has its roots in the 1950s and 60s, when Leeds University thought it was a race against time to capture local dialects before they were lost in the post-war period. So they went out to interview everyone from local policemen to shopkeepers to find out what words they were using. One stipulation was that they had good teeth so they could pronounce their words properly! In doing so, they also captured the traditions and customs of local life.
The people of the North York Moors National Park are as interesting and diverse as the moors itself. I love hearing their stories and capturing them for the future.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
It’s about the beauty of the people, the language and the landscape. There are still pockets of dialect and I don’t think they will disappear.
Holly Holden
Apprentice craftsperson, Dalby Forest
I work on the maintenance and upkeep of the trails in Dalby Forest, carrying out inspections, and making sure everything is safe and fun. The red route alone is 21 miles, so altogether the forest trails span dozens of miles.
Before I did this, I worked in accounts in Newcastle, which was not my cup of tea! I only moved to Thornton le Dale 18 months ago, so I’m quite new to the area, and it’s a big change. I like the sense of community, though you can’t really pop to the shops quickly as everyone knows everyone and stops for a chat.
I love working outdoors. It’s a small team, and it’s lots of fun. Obviously the best days are when it’s sunny, but you get used to working outside in the winter.
There’s something for everyone at Dalby Forest, from a family of four, who can enjoy the Gruffalo and Superworm trails, to two really experienced walkers who can go off exploring and feel like they’re the only ones around.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
It’s stunning, and there’s loads to do, not just at Dalby Forest. There’s the daffodil walk in Farndale, the Hole of Horcum; stunning views, and you can see for miles.
Where is your favourite place in the national park?
On a clear night, follow the Jerry Noddle trail to the far end of Dalby Forest, sit and have a cup of tea on a bench looking over the Langdale Valley.
forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
READ MORE: Exploring the natural beauty of Yorkshire: why spend the day in Dalby Forest
Simon Baxter
Woodland photographer, based in Guisborough
I have a passion for exploring and capturing the magic and mystery of quiet woodlands close to home. Since discovering the therapeutic benefits of being amongst trees in 2015, I’ve dedicated much of my time to finding beautiful woodlands within the national park, expressing my love for them through my photographs, and sharing the experience on my YouTube channel.
I also operate the occasional workshop within the North York Moors to share my knowledge and experience of photographing the complexity of woodland.
My fascination with trees has taken me to the rainforests of Wales and the Caledonian Pine Forests of Scotland, but I’m utterly content with a short drive from home to enjoy our ancient oak trees, streams fringed with wildflowers, hawthorne and alder, or pine trees peppered in the blush of heather.
My pet labradoodle will always be by my side as we adventure off the beaten path in search of something unique, unspoilt, old and wild. My partner also enjoys walking so we enjoy walking over the moors, into valleys and alongside babbling becks. A stop for cake is essential!
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
Strictly speaking, Guisborough isn’t within the national park, but I consider the nature of the park to be my home. My earliest memories are of searching the rock pools on the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay and building dens in Guisborough Forest. After many years of enjoying the outdoors at a very fast pace on a mountain bike, I now take a more considered and contemplative approach. The profound wellbeing benefits of the park’s woodland has been life-changing and for that I’ll always be immensely grateful.
What is your favourite memory of the national park?
I’ve many fond memories of my time enjoying what the North York Moors has to offer. However, my current woodland photography exhibition with Joe Cornish at the Inspired by… gallery at Danby Lodge National Park Centre is and will continue to be a highlight, both personally and professionally. We’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to showcase an aspect of the national park which is often overlooked, and we’ve spent years immersing ourselves in its changing beauty, emotions and rhythms.
Why should people visit?
There’s something for everyone within the North York Moors. There’s a rich history, quaint seaside villages with cobbled streets, sandy beaches shining gold in the morning sun, a network of bridleways over rolling hills of heather, olde worlde steam railway stations, tranquil dales with ancient trees and glistening streams, and of course plenty of chocolate box villages to visit for coffee and cake!
Instagram: baxter.photos
Kirsty Wardle and Linda Metcalfe
Tourist guides, Yorkshire and Beyond
People come from all over the world to see the North York Moors National Park, and sometimes they can’t believe the breadth of things we can show in one day, from castles and abbeys to the beautiful landscape. This wouldn’t be possible in other areas of the country. People don’t expect the diversity.
The dales are much more in public consciousness than the moors, as that is generally the version of Yorkshire that is portrayed on TV, but the moors are equally as stunning. They also have plenty of their own famous locations. Goathland is still a big draw for those who did watch - and still watch - Heartbeat. We take people to Thirsk and Sutton Bank for the James Herriot connection. And Castle Howard - Brideshead Revisited is a perennial connection, but now Bridgerton has increased the interest (Castle Howard was used as the location for the Duke of Hastings’ home, Clyvedon).
We take everyone from small family groups to coach tours to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, and always try to bring them across the top of the moors so they can see all four dales in one. People enjoy seeing the heather, idyllic little towns and villages, and the views, views, views.
We always say we live in an area where the moors are our back garden and the dales are our front garden, and it’s rare to be connected to two national parks. We’re Yorkshire girls at heart, born and bred in the area, and we love going on days out and calling it ‘work’!
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
Escapism and freedom. Even though we live in the countryside, once you get up on the tops, it blows you away - often literally!
What is your favourite memory of the national park?
Kirsty: I’ve been lucky enough to work on film locations for some Hollywood films shot in the national park (I can’t reveal the details yet, sorry!) That’s given me some great, and surprising, memories.
Linda: I used to visit the local farms with my father when I was younger, during the school holidays, so it’s a pleasure to share with people what I used to take for granted.
Why should people visit?
To see the hidden gems as well as the known ones.
Richard Baines
Director and wildlife guide, Yorkshire Coast Nature
The North York Moors National Park is a fantastic area for wildlife. I’ve been birdwatching since I was nine, and have worked in ecology and nature conservation all my life, and you never know what you’ll see or hear on any given day in the forest or out at sea.
I set up Yorkshire Coast Nature 11 years ago with my partner Steve Race, and we cover everywhere from the coast to inland, across East Yorkshire and into the Dales. Much of what we do, from birdwatching to sea boats and whales, takes place in the national park. Steve and I grew up in the area, and all of the guides that work for us are local. That expert local knowledge is incredibly important in getting across the value of the landscape to visitors.
One of the very special things about the national park - and something that is almost unique in England - is that the coastline is so close to large areas of quality habitat, such as heather moorland and forests, with very few areas dominated by arable farmland. It means it’s a great area for people to explore, but also allows birds and wildlife to move across large areas with ease. If a bird arrives on the coast, it can move inland across a wide landscape. Nightjars are one species that really benefits from that habitat connectivity. They arrive from Africa in May, nest in big clearings in the forests such as Dalby and Wykeham, and don’t have to fly far to feed across other areas of good habitat, such as the heather moorland.
We’re also keen to support local wildlife projects and charities through grants. For example, some of the income from our nightjar safaris goes to the Friends of Dalby for the North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project. We recently donated £420, just from the nightjar safaris, which is one of several grants we make. So anyone coming on our trips is helping to contribute to local biodiversity.
What does the North York Moors National Park mean to you?
It’s where I grew up - on the edge of Teesside, near Guisborough. My parents used to take us out walking in the national park as children, around Roseberry Topping and Chop Gate, so I have a strong feeling of identity and roots in the area. I also love the wildlife of the national park and can talk for hours about it - you’ve got to stop me!
Where will the North York Moors National Park be in another 70 years?
The big challenge is holding onto the biodiversity it’s got and hopefully enhancing it. Climate change is going to create a huge challenge for landowners, so the next 70 years will hopefully see them working closely with the national park to enable biodiversity to flourish and enhance habitats for wildlife.
Why should people visit?
The tranquillity and relative peacefulness. Lots of places in England have traffic noise, but a large majority of the North York Moors is quiet, which is really attractive for people who want to watch wildlife. People coming to visit is really important, because introducing them to the wildlife is hopefully a way of getting them to care about it. It’s obviously good for sustainability for people to holiday in the UK, and staying in the national park helps local businesses thrive.
Changing times
Some of the bigger and more noticeable changes that have occurred in the North York Moors National Park over the past 70 years…
- Fylingdales ‘golf balls’, constructed in 1963 and deconstructed 1992
- Rosedale Chimney, demolished in 1972
- Back then there were no National Trails – soon there will be three.
- Removal of pylons across the moors, from Pickering to Whitby, in 2017 – a major environmental improvement
- The National Park Authority purchased the Levisham Estate (Hole of Horecum) to protect the heather moorland
- Nearly a third of the National Park was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1998
