Forge Valley, North Yorkshire

Forge Valley is an excellent site, near East Ayton in the North Yorks Moors National Park, for photographing woodland birds. Located on the Derwent river valley, this beautiful mixed deciduous woodland contains numerous tree species (alder, ash, elm, sycamore, oak, willow and holly, for example, some coppiced in years gone by, when the valley was home to iron forges) and supports a range of birds including nuthatch, warblers, greater-spotted woodpecker, treecreeper, willow tit, and, in winter sometimes, brambling. Flower species include wood anemone and wild garlic, orchids, bluebells and primroses. There are several car-parks, some with bird tables and feeders, and in some birds can be photographed from the car, making it accessible for photographers with disabilities. The light is never great here, so I expect to use a beanbag on the car window to stabilise my lens, plus a high ISO.

There are birds and photographic opportunities here in all seasons. In Spring there are some lovely catkins, providing attractive perches; in Summer the nest-boxes and age and mixed nature of the woodland ensures plenty of breeding birds; in Autumn the autumn colours provide a lovely backdrop, and in Winter visitors like brambling are sometimes found here, plus the feeders are especially busy keeping the local birds fed when there is snow or icy weather.

There’s a geology trail through the woods, and a 2 mile boardwalk beside the river, starting at Old Man’s Mouth car park and picnic area (grid reference: SE 985 871).