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Chevin, Past, Present, Future.
Richard Marsh
8th Oct 2009
Covering
over 400 acres with its highest point just below 1,000 feet Chevin Forest Park
once owned by the people of Otley is now owned by Leeds Metropolitan District.
It is managed by Leeds
City Council Parks and Countryside Service.
One of their employees, Richard Marsh, who has five years experience of
estate management on
the Chevin gave us an enthusiastic talk and slide show about the Chevin area
that he manages. He conveniently split the park into its two areas, Yorkgate
and Danefield. The area just north of Yorkgate
that contains the White House has been public land for many years but Danefield
was a gift from the Horton Fawkes family just
after the Second World War in memory of the men of the Wharfe valley who lost
their lives in that conflict.
The
two areas separated by
East Chevin Road
each provide opportunities for people to enjoy countryside experiences. There
are footpaths and bridleways for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders
as well as a permanent orienteering course. Rock climbing is another energetic
pastime seen in the park but for the less energetic there is an abundance of
wildlife and plants to be seen during the four seasons of the year. There are
even rumours of Churchill and Roosevelt meeting close to the park.
For
this fine talk Richard was thanked by John Morgan.
Our
next meeting is on Thursday 22nd October at 10-00am in Otley Civic
Centre when Mr Geoff Queen, who is renowned for the high quality of his talks,
will give us his view of being “A Resident of the Dales”.
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