Forge Valley is a nature reserve on the East Ayton / Hackness road. The valley follows the route of the River Derwent and was formed by melting ice water at the end of the last ice age.
The area is now covered with woodlands which are thought to be 6000 years old. Forge Valley takes its name from the charcoal that was made in these woods for iron forges. There was a foundry to the north of the valley in 1798.[1]
Forge Valley is managed by English Nature.