Special qualities in the North York Moors
10 reasons why the North York Moors is a special place...
From wide open moorland, dales and valleys to fascinating geology, the North York Moors offers a diverse landscape...
- There are wide sweeps of open heather moorland - distinctive dales, valleys and inland headlands.
- It's not all about moors - you'll find majestic coastal cliffs, sheltered harbours and distinctive coastal headlands.
- The park also has an abundance of forest and woodland - ancient trees and woodland that's rich in wildlife.
- You'll find special landforms from the Ice Age - this is a place of exceptional coastal geology.
- A special mix of upland, lowland and coastal habitats means a wide variety of wildlife dependent on these is present in the park.
- History abounds - and settlements reflect their agricultural, fishing or mining past. There is a wealth of archaeology from prehistory to the 20th Century and you'll also notice locally distinctive buildings and building materials.
- Religion has played a strong role in the park's past - you'll find important ruined abbeys and ancient churches.
- The park offers a rich and diverse countryside for recreation - there is an extensive network of public paths and tracks. You'll find remoteness and tranquility is also part and parcel of the park - it's a place for spiritual refreshment, dark skies at night and clear unpolluted air.
- Distinctive skills, dialects, songs and customs are all here - there's a strong sense of community and friendly people.
- It's an inspiring place - down the years the park has inspired artists, scientists, writer and explorers like Captain Cook.
