Baal Hill Wood

About the Site

Baal Hill Wood is a large mixed deciduous woodland that belonged to the Bishops of Durham in the 14th Century. Records of its management survive in archive material. The ancient semi-natural woodland was mainly oak and birch, the oak being coppiced on a rotational basis to provide a supply of timber for charcoal, which was then used for smelting lead. ‘Baal’ is a local term for this traditional activity.

During this century, a large area was felled and allowed to regenerate as birch dominated woodland, some of which remains in the northern half. The area is particularly important as it occupies an ancient woodland site and adjoins a mature oak wood to the north.

Despite its radical disturbance in this century, Baal Hill contains a wide range of trees, including the "Bishops Oak", one of the County’s largest oaks. The shrubs and flowering plants are of great value for mammals and birds, including nuthatch, wood warbler, green woodpeckers, spotted and pied flycatchers.

Baal Hill Wood is always worth a visit, but is probably at its most impressive between April and October when the birds are active, and the flowers are in bloom.

Baal Hill Wood

Location

Baal Hill Woods lie north of the B6296 between Wolsingham and Tow Law. From Wolsingham, turn north off the B6296 at the first road beyond the Bay Horse Hotel. Take the next turning left to Baal Hill along a gated road. In front of the house turn left along a track through a gateway. Please close all gates and park at the side of the farm buildings. From the car park a track runs ¾ mile through the wood as far as Baal Hill Wood. Strong footwear is essential as the track is not yet fully established.

Grid reference NZ 071389

Facilities

None

Enquiries

Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows
Chilton Moor
Houghton-Le-Spring
Tyne and Wear
DH4 6PU
Tel: 0191 5843934

Information kindly provided by Durham Bird Club.