Understood that sections of the plantation were used as refuse tips before World War 2, it now boasts mature woodland, blanketing the reserve, containing oak, ash, beech, elm, sycamore and birch. The dense woodland is filled with thickets of black-thorn, elder, holly, hawthorn, dog rose and bramble, and an important habitat for a huge variety of birds.
Several grassland meadows intersect the habitat, providing wildflower habitation. Species include; betony, bird’s-foot-trefoil, common dog violet, common spotted orchid, creeping buttercup, cuckoo flower, devils-bit scabious, dog rose, greater stitchwort and honeysuckle, with several butterfly species recorded in the spring and summer.
Terrain
The site has surfaced and un-surfaced footpaths and visitors should wear sturdy footwear.
Access & Parking
Main access is from Durham Road.
Postcode: DL16 6RE.
Both entrances have disabled access kissing gates operated using a RADAR key
Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is Durham Road.
Dogs
Welcome, but on leads at all times.
What to look out for:
Birds: house sparrow, robin, wren, blackbird, blue, great, coal and long-tailed tits, great and lesser spotted woodpecker, treecreeper, jay and nuthatch.
Butterflies: peacock, meadow brown, ringlet, large and small whites, green-veined white, red admiral, comma, speckled-wood and small skipper butterflies.
Help to protect wildlife:
Take litter home
Don’t pick flowers or damage trees
No shooting
Keep to the paths
No fires
No Motorcycles
No horses
Clean up after your dog
