Collier Wood

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About the Site

Collier Wood is made up of alder, birch and willow trees. Willow and alder are both associated with wet woodlands. There are numerous species of willow, but most of the larger varieties have long, thin leaves similar to those of the weeping willow often planted by ponds or lakes in local parks. Also look out for the furry buds of the goat willow, which is more commonly known as ‘pussy willow’. These are smaller shrub-like trees and form part of the under-storey in Collier Wood.

Birch trees are common throughout the wood. These can be recognised by their silvery white coloured bark. The small, delicate leaves of birch produce a lovely dappled light effect on a sunny summer’s day. In winter, the youngest branches appear tinged with purple particularly in the denser parts of the wood.

Hazel trees also form part of the under-storey in Collier Wood. The soft, cream coloured catkins of hazel may be seen in the spring. These are commonly known as ‘lamb’s tails’.

Snowdrops create a fresh, white splash of colour over the woodland floor early in the year. In spring the scattered yellow flowers of primrose, cowslip and lesser celandine can be seen. In the late spring, these give way to one of our great wild flower spectacles - thick carpets of bluebells with a sprinkling of the fresh white, delicate flowers of greater stitchwort.

Both honeysuckle and foxgloves can be seen growing in sunny glades within the woodland.

Cowslip

There is an abundance of fungi in Collier Wood, making it a place well worth visiting in the autumn. Although the fungi are present all year round in the form of a network of tiny threads underneath the soil and bark, the toadstools and mushrooms are only produced in the autumn (some species produce them in the spring). The weird and wonderful shapes, colours and textures of the different fungi are fascinating. Look out for the shaggy ink cap that disperses its spores (seeds) by dissolving its mushroom into a black inky slime.

Although most fungi soon decay, several kinds of bracket fungus are tough and long lasting. These can be seen attached to mature trees and dead wood forming what are sometimes large and colourful growths.

Collier Wood has a healthy bird population and is a lively place to be in the spring when the birds are extremely active. Skylarks, tits, wrens, thrushes, blackbirds and kestrels can all be seen here along with many other species. Look out for the tiny goldcrests. You are more likely to hear their shrill song before you notice them hopping about in the tree tops.

Bird activity is also interesting in autumn and early winter. Redwings and fieldfares frequent the site and fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of the waxwing, which occasionally uses the wood. Waxwings are buff pink with yellow flashes on their wings and tail. Also look for tree creepers, with claw-like tips on the tail feathers, running up tree trunks in search of spiders and small insects.

Butterflies are numerous in the woodland from spring, when species such as tortoiseshells and peacocks emerge, through to late summer. The red admiral and black and white painted lady butterflies are commonly seen in September. These species are migrants from Europe and North Africa. It is incredible to think that such small and delicate creatures can make the long journey to County Durham all the way from Africa.

A number of mammals are also commonly seen in Collier Wood. These include hares, weasels, stoats, deer and fox. Keep your eyes peeled for the weasel - they’re much smaller than you probably imagine, in fact they’re barely bigger than some of the mice that they feed on.

Collier Wood

Location

Collier Wood is situated on the A68 between Tow Law to the north, and the junction of the A68 and A689 to the south.
Approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) by road from Durham City centre (via A690 to Crook, A689 to junction with A68, north on A68).
Approximately 3 km (2 miles) by road (A68) from Tow Law.
Approximately 13 km (8 miles) by road (A68) from the centre of West Auckland.
Approximately 15 km (9.5 miles) by road (A68) from the centre of Castleside.
Grid reference: NZ 128 364

Facilities

There are picnic tables and free car park at the site. There is also a woodland trail.

Enquiries

Countryside Group
Durham County Council
Environment
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ

Tel: 0191 3833594