Low Newton Junction Local Nature Reserve

About the Site

Low Newton Junction consists of an old sand quarry and a dismantled railway line that runs through the eastern side of the site. Most of the Reserve is covered in species-rich grassland with dense patches of scrub in some areas. There is also a small area of lowland heath on the slopes of the railway cutting.

Where the railway branches to the north, the cuttings act as a drain for the surrounding land and a number of ponds have formed. Marsh occurs in low-lying areas around the ponds, and plants such as water forget-me-not and sharp-flowered rush grow here, along with hundreds of northern marsh and common spotted orchids. Reedmace and yellow iris grow in the areas of standing water on the site. Reedmace has thick, grass-like leaves and prominent, brown seed heads with an abundance of cotton-wool like seed and is a common sight in wetlands in Britain.

A south-west facing bank leads to slightly higher ground in the northern half of the site. The relatively free-draining soil supports plants such as silver hair-grass, fairy flax, lichens and moss. Fairy flax is a small plant species with delicate white flowers that can be seen between June and September. Another common name for it is purging flax, which originates from its use in medieval times as a powerful purgative.

Marsh Orchids

Species such as greater plantain, mouse-ear hawkweed, common cat’s-ear, bird’s-foot trefoil, kidney vetch and common spotted orchid grow on the areas of herb-rich grassland. 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 is ‘Grannies toe nails’ which comes from the claw-like seed-pods that are left behind after this plant has flowered. The common spotted orchid is also particularly striking with its spotted leaves and spike of deep pink flowers.

A woodland has been planted on the arable field on the northern part of the site. This has been planted with a variety of trees and shrubs. The silver birch as a pioneer species, has grown tall but the oaks will replace this in years to come.

Low Newton is a fascinating place to visit, containing a huge variety of plant communities in a small area.

Low Newton Junction

Location

Low Newton Junction Local Nature Reserve is situated off the footpath that runs from Newton Hall to County Durham. From Newton Hall, follow the footpath approximately 200m, over the railway bridge, where the Reserve can be found on the left hand side.

Grid reference: NZ 284449

Facilities

There is an educational trail around the site, with twenty numbered posts. The aim is to show the rich variety of habitats on the reserve and to provoke thoughts about the animals and plants that are found there. A leaflet is available free to schools or £1 from Newton Hall library.

Enquiries

Durham County Council
Countryside Group
Environment
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833594