Low Barns Nature Reserve and the River Wear

About The Site

Low Barns Nature Reserve is a 50 hectare wetland site with areas of mixed woodland and grassland. The Reserve is situated on an ex-gravel extraction site, which has been managed by Durham Wildlife Trust since operations ended in 1964.

Wetland features include three lakes, interconnecting streams, a number of mature ponds, and a wet pasture. The River Wear also flows through the reserve.

Low Barnes

Tall vegetation such as reedmace (bulrush), meadowsweet and common marsh-bedstraw grow on the fringes of the main lake. Reedmace has thick, grass-like leaves and prominent, brown seed heads with an abundance of cotton-wool like pollen and is a common sight around wetlands in Britain.

In winter, large numbers of wildfowl can be seen, including tufted duck, mallard, little and great-crested grebes, pochard, teal, water rail, moorhen, coot and mute swan. Grebes are diving birds and great to watch - it is surprising how long they can stay under water without having to come up for air. Kingfishers with their magnificent blue and green plumage may also be seen in the summer as they swoop for fish or perch on a bank-side twig.

Dragonfly

Nine species of dragonfly are known to breed in the wetland areas of the Reserve. Their colloquial name of "horse-stingers" is somewhat misleading as they are harmless. Look out for the large, blue and green southern hawkers. They are extremely inquisitive and if you stand still they will often fly right up to check you out.

The extensive areas of woodland contained within the reserve are varied with patches of wet alder woodland and dry mixed woodland with both evergreen and broadleaf trees. Up to 50 species of trees and shrubs can be found both in the woodlands and on the grasslands within the Reserve.

The alder woodland which has developed along the northern boundary of the site in a former channel of the River Wear is dominated by common nettle and greater chickweed, whilst scrub woodland containing alder and willows is developing on wetter areas.

The dry woodland is rich in mosses, lichens and liverworts and a weird and wonderful range of fungi can be seen here in the autumn. Look out for fly agaric, the poisonous red and white spotted toadstool associated with fairytales and magic.

In summer, the woodlands are alive with birdsong as the resident bird population swells with summer migrants. Species to look out for include redstart, pied flycatcher and several warbler species. Crossbills can also be seen in the conifers around the site.

Large expanses of the site are covered with species-rich grassland containing black knapweed, silverweed, common bird’s foot-trefoil, agrimony and yellow-rattle and extensive patches of northern marsh, common spotted and early-purple orchids. Yellow-rattle is a parasite of grass and acquires its nutrients by extracting them out of the root systems of the adjacent grasses. It has yellow flowers and brown seed cases, which are the shape of little purses or sea shells, inside which the seeds rattle when they are ripe. Bird's foot-trefoil is a rather sprawling plant of short grassland that flowers for much of the summer. It is often referred to as 'eggs and bacon' because of its orange and yellow flowers that are similar to the coloration of egg yolks. Another name for it is 'Grannies toe nails' which comes from the claw-like seed pods that are left behind after this plant has flowered.

This diversity attracts a host of butterfly species that feed on the nectar. More unusual species include brimstone, holly blue and ringlet. Brimstones are one of the few butterfly species to hibernate over winter, often in dry places such as garden sheds.

Mammals that visit or live at the Reserve include red fox and roe deer and water vole.

Otter

At this section of the River Wear otters and mink occupy the banks, whilst fox, badger and roe deer use them to travel along. Kingfisher, dipper, wagtail, goosander and moorhen are regular visitors to this stretch of the river. Dragonflies such as the red darter, common hawker and southern hawker are common, along with damselflies including the banded demoiselle. Butterflies along the riverbank are small tortoiseshell, peacock, orange tip, meadow brown and ringlet.

Low Barns Nature Reserve

Location

The reserve is west of Bishop Auckland, close to the A68. From the A68 follow the brown signposts (Low Barns Nature Reserve) through Witton-le-Wear, turning right at the Victoria public house. Once over the level crossing, the centre is ½ mile along the road, once again signposted in brown. From the A689, it is ¾ mile west of High Grange. Regular buses run between Bishop Auckland and Crook.

Facilities

A visitor centre, tea shop & toilets, wildlife garden, bird feeding station and picnic area are all open to the public.

The centre aims to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural environment in the area. It also seeks to demonstrate the wide range of Trust’s activities and to encourage the people of the county to become involved in helping to preserve their natural environment.

A roofed observation tower above the centre provides views over the reserve and along the valley, but is only accessible by steps. Wheelchair users can take advantage of similar views from the bird hides around the reserve, and a live video link up in the centre. A circular trail around the site is also suitable for wheelchair access. A nature trail leaflet is available from the visitor centre.

There is car parking provided around the centre, together with secure cycle parking.

While access to the reserve can be made at any time, the centre is open 10.00am - 4.00pm, 7 days a week and caters for school parties and larger parties by prior arrangement. It offers a good environmental education programme.

Enquiries

Durham Wildlife Trust
Low Barns Nature Reserve
Witton-le-Wear
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 0AG
Tel: 01388 488728