Hury Reservoir

About the Site

Hury is a 50.6 hectare reservoir that was built in 1894. It is heavily stocked with rainbow trout, making it a popular place for fishing. It is also an important site for wildlife, particularly over wintering wildfowl such as black-backed gulls and waders.

The numbers of ducks that use the reservoir in the winter well exceed that of nearby reservoirs. The main species are mallard, teal and widgeon. However, numbers of these ducks have been decreasing since the late 1960s.

Hury is also the most important of the Teesdale reservoirs for Canada geese. They were first recorded in 1945 when there were 5 pairs. Since then numbers have been steadily increasing, to more than 200 birds today.

The surrounding grassland is used as breeding grounds by a host of waders. These are a group of birds that are so called because of the way they wade around in the shallows and grassland probing the soft mud for insects and worms. Species of wader include oystercatcher, curlew, redshank, common sandpiper and lapwing. Look out for the bright red beak of the oystercatcher and the green metallic sheen of lapwings as their plumage catches the light. Another name commonly used for lapwing is pee-wit and the reason for this will become obvious when their call is heard…peeee…witt! Redshanks are small black and white birds with bright red legs that can be clearly seen when caught by the light. They are sometimes referred to as the ‘wardens of the marsh’ because of their rather nervous nature and habit of being flushed up into the air and sounding off a loud, piercing panic call at the slightest of disturbances. Also look out for the long curved beak of the curlew.

The Reservoir is well worth a visit in late autumn to see the waders fly up in huge flocks when they are disturbed and look like thick clouds.

Large flocks of roosting black-headed and common gulls can also be seen on the reservoir in the winter months and they create what is often a noisy spectacle.

An area of woodland flora exists to the west of the site and along some of the gills. Plants such as dogs mercury, wood anemone and wood avens are typical of ancient woodlands that date back to medieval times. Their presence suggests that they are relics of a former, wooded landscape.

Hury is an excellent place to spend a winters afternoon watching the dramatic spectacle created by the birds that the reservoir supports.

Hury Reservoir

Location

Hury lies in Baldersdale, west of Romaldkirk and north west of Barnard Castle. Approach from Romaldkirk on the B6277.

Grid reference: NY 960 193

Facilities

A public footpath runs along the north shore. There is a car park with facilities for people with disabilities.

Enquiries

Northumbrian Water Limited
Abbey Road
Pity Me
Durham
DH1 5FJ
Tel: 0870 2403549