Following closure for essential forestry works, the Forestry England team at Whinlatter have this week reopened a popular area of the forest, just in time for the summer holidays.

The area around Revelin Moss car park, including the Altura South mountain bike trail, has been closed for much of 2022 to allow important thinning work to take place safely.

‘We’d like to thank everyone who followed our safety messaging and chose to visit other areas of the forest whilst contractors and machinery were working around Revelin Moss’ says Area Forester Gareth Browning. ‘Alongside producing timber, with the income invested back into protecting the nation’s forests, these thinning works have really helped to open up the forest canopy.

‘The extra light and space won’t just benefit those trees left behind, but also help create a welcoming habitat for the myriad of other species which call Whinlatter home, from plant life to birds and even red squirrels.’

Alongside the reopened trails, visitors are invited to experience the forest through a series of guided nature walks, helping them discover the huge variety of natural life, often right underneath their feet. Covering both reopened areas and other parts of the forests, these events cost just £5 per person, with information on how to book available through the forest’s website (forestryengland.uk/Whinlatter).

Adrian Jones, Operations Manager at Whinlatter Forest, says ‘It’s fantastic to see these trails open once again, and just in time for the summer holidays. With the weather forecast warning of high temperatures what could be better than a shady walk underneath the forest canopy?

‘Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, get out on your bike or fancy more of an adrenaline rush there really is something for everyone here at Whinlatter.’

The forest is highly recognised as a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike, most recently with a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2022 award as well as receiving a score of 93% in its latest VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme inspection.

Open seven days a week and home to the popular Siskin’s café, Cyclewise bike shop and hire, Go Ape (Forest Segways and soon to reopen Treetop Adventure) and more, visitors can find out more and plan their visit at forestryengland.uk/Whinlatter.