Moorland


Heather moorland is rare on a worldwide scale – there is probably less heather moorland in the world than tropical rainforest. One of the largest continuous expanses of upland heather moorland in England and Wales is here in the North York Moors – a sheep could wander from Egton to Bilsdale without leaving it.

Moorland covers a third of the North York Moors National Park and most of the higher ground is covered in heather. Unenclosed and unsurpassed, this landscape responds sensitively to the changing seasons and has a quiet drama all of its own.

Explore these pages to learn about our moorlands.

Landscape photo of a dale with moorland in the foreground. Credit Paul Kent.Stone trod path through moorland. Credit Oliver Sherratt.

Discover

Learn about the distinctive character of our moorlands, their history and what we're doing to protect them.



Share with care

Help keep our moorlands special. Here’s a few tips when out exploring.

View all share with care
Stone stacking is not cool

Stone stacking is not cool

Take litter home

Take litter home

Be fire aware

Be fire aware

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