Aycliffe Nature Park

About the Site

Aycliffe Nature Park supports an exceptional range of habitats, with a number of interesting species. It has developed over about forty years on an old railway siding, and consists of wetland, marshy grassland, limestone grassland and scrub.

There is an enjoyable walk to the 4 hectare site along a disused line, called Simpasture Nature Walk. This is densely colonised by trees and scrub along the length, providing nesting habitat for birds.

The Nature Park has thin, poor soil that has been produced through the deposition of various materials associated with the railway. The soil is extremely compact and consequently the drainage is poor. This has lead to the development of wet and marshy conditions on the site in various locations.

Grassland is located in patches and supports the uncommon bee orchid. Other plant species include common spotted orchid, lady’s mantle, milkwort, greater burnet, kidney vetch, cowslip and birds-foot trefoil. These plants provide suitable food for a range of butterflies during the summer months including the common blue, ringlet and meadow brown.

A large pond and wetland area support a range of valuable plants such as ragged robin, water avens, ladies smock and common twayblade.

Newts and common toad can be found on the site. Breeding birds include snipe and sparrow hawk.

Dense areas of willow and alder provide habitat and cover for a number of birds and mammals such as foxes and stoats.

Aycliffe Nature Park

Location

The Aycliffe Nature Park may be accessed from Traveller’s Green, off Clarence Chare. Also, pedestrians may wish to access the site via Simpasture Nature Walk (a disused railway bisecting Newton Aycliffe), which will deliver walkers to the Nature Park at its eastern extent.

Facilities

The Nature Park has a surfaced footpath and is suitable for wheelchair users. The site is fitted with signage providing a brief description of habitats and species.

Limited parking is available at Traveller’s Green.

Enquiries

Great Aycliffe Town Council
School Aycliffe Lane
Newton Aycliffe
County Durham
DL5 6QF
Tel: 01325 300700