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Raincliffe Woods

Raincliffe Woods is situated approximately 2½ mile North west of Scarborough on the edge of the North Yorks. Moors National Park..

Raincliffe appears in records as far back as 1286 and contains a rare example of ancient oak woodland on a northern slope.

Since 1926 Raincliffe Woods has been owned by  Scarborough Borough Council who have voiced a commitment to conservation of the area and the return of the woodland to hardwood. Unfortunately,due partly to budget restraints, little has been done in the ensuing years to fulfil this commitment however Raincliffe still has much to offer in the way  of  leisure, indeed if you enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside then Raincliffe offers open access to over 400 acres of  woodland.

Raincliffe Woods is designated as Ancient  & Semi-Natural woodland or Ancient re-planted Woodland and together with Forge Valley Woods  contains a total of 19 SSSI,s. 5 of these  fall within Raincliffe Woods and full details of theses can be found by visiting the Natural England web site on http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/sssi/sssi_details.cfm?sssi_id=1001353

At the higher reaches where Raincliffe Woods meets Seamer Moor there  are numerous Tumuli and barrows , evidence of ancient habitation. In 1848 one of these was excavated to reveal massive stones containing a full human skeleton.

Flint arrowheads have been frequently picked up on the moors as well as Roman and Saxon artefacts and it is quite possible that a Saxon settlement may have  existed  on the moor. If this is the case then we can be sure that the Saxons used Raincliffe as not only a source of timber for shelter , fuel and tools but also for hunting and foraging.

Today much of the land that borders the woodland is farmed but as well as the tumuli there are  remains of ancient earth works that cut across the moors and  down into  Raincliffe..

Throxenby Mere  nestles at the foot of Raincliffe. A small glacial lake that is now a popular fishing destination (for those armed with the relevant permit) and is  also used  frequently by local schools for pond dipping.

Raincliffe Woods offers much for those who want to explore and enjoy the natural environment with out the formality of  a park, so take the time to visit and explore .

To find Raincliffe Woods click here for a map of the area.For a brief history of Raincliffe click here and for photo’s of Raincliffe visit the Raincliffe Gallery