Is there anyone around with experience of wild camping on said moorland, or any of the many forests therein?

 Cheers.

It's legal then or is the official stance that one would need the land owner's permission?

It really frustrates me that we have these vast forests on the Moors and we can't stay in the buggers! 

I doubt it is legal - but that has never stopped me

Same rules as the rest of the UK I guess re. permission. Ignore them. 

I've wild camped on the moors and woodlands for a couple of years without any bother.  Usual rules, pitch late where you can't be seen, rise early, no fires, keep the torch light to a minimum and be carefull not to pitch up where shooting, heather burning is taking place or may be taking place early next morning.

If you go in the Winter you'll not see another soul all night even if you're pitched on the Cleveland Way.

It's good to get out but I like to be on the big hills where you know you're definitely not going to be asked to move on.

My rucksack has oft been my pillow. The heather has oft been my bed - sort of thing Paddy?

Please dont burst into song

Sort of... Fossil Bluff... but "very occasionally" rather than "oft". 

Travel writer - definitely yes.

Song writer - probably not....