Field Scabious

About the site

Ferryhill Carrs covers some 22 hectares (54 acres) and comprises a rich variety of wetland, woodland and grassland habitats. Particularly significant is the extensive area of fen, a very rare feature in the Durham countryside.

Wetland plants include reedmace, reed canary-grass, water horsetail, branched bur-reed and false fox sedge. Reedmace is better known to most people as 'bulrush'. It has prominent, brown seed heads with an abundance of cotton-wool like pollen and is a common sight in wetlands throughout Britain. The bright yellow flowers of flag iris and marsh marigold are also easily identified.

As you move northwards away from the wettest areas, the dense stands of reedmace are replaced by herb rich fen. Plants here include meadowsweet, hemp-agrimony and tufted hair grass. The frothy white flowers of meadowsweet with their dill-like aroma and the soft pink flowers of hemp-agrimony spill out over the fen in July.

Patches of grassland have developed on the areas of abandoned quarry workings. Nationally such Magnesian limestone grasslands are another rare habitat and contain a diverse range of wildflowers and grasses, creating an impressive swathe of colour in the summer.

Flowers include common spotted orchid, marjoram, wild strawberry, field scabious and common twaybalde. Wild strawberry produces its white flowers in April which give way to small delicate strawberries. Surprisingly it is not a direct ancestor of cultivated strawberries but a species in its own right. The soft blue flowers of field scabious appear in July which contrast with the purple, pink and sometimes white flowers of marjoram. This fragrant herb is probably more commonly recognised as the oregano used in Mediterranean cooking.

Patches of scrub occur on site with species such as hawthorn, gorse and dog-rose. Gorse produces bright yellow flowers that often smell of coconut.

The woodland is dominated by ash, wych elm and sycamore with an understorey of hazel, hawthorn and elder. The carpet of bluebells and wood anenome, with scatterings of yellow primrose flowers is best enjoyed at spring time.

The site is also excellent for birds. Willow warbler, sedge warbler and reed bunting are just a few of the species found in the wetland area, while goldfinch, linnet, blackcap, whitethroat and yellowhammer are frequently seen in amongst the scrubby grasslands to the north.

Ferryhill Carrs

Location

Ferryhill Carrs is located on the eastern edge of Ferryhill, adjacent to the East Coast Main Line Railway. To reach Ferryhill Carrs either follow the public right of way from the junction of Wood Lane/Cleves Avenue, or take the permissive path directly across the field from Cleves Avenue/Belsay Close. This is private farmland, so please keep to the footpaths.

The southern part of the site including the quarry, woodland and wetland is very important in terms of nature conservation. It also contains cliffs and areas of open water. For reasons of safety and to minimise disturbance to wildlife, please follow the paths.

Facilities

Schools and local organisations are very welcome to use the site, but please contact the Countryside Management Officer if you intend to arrange events or group visits.

The site lies in a steep sided valley and some walkers may find the long flights of steps difficult to negotiate.

Enquiries

Countryside Officer - Planning and Technical Services
Sedgefield Borough Council
Council Offices
Green Lane
Spennymoor
County Durham
DL16 6LQ
Tel: 01388 816166 ext. 4487
Fax: 01388 82400