Malton Nature Reserve and Picnic Site

Malton Nature Reserve

This 5.7 hectare site is managed by Durham Wildlife Trust. It contains a wide variety of habitats with areas of lichen heath, thickets of evergreen shrubs, small herb-rich grasslands, marshy willow woodland and two ponds.

Malton Nature Reserve is managed so as to show examples of succession on colliery shales, from the first lichens to oak woodland.

The area of lichen heath is one of the original habitats which has naturally developed on colliery shale. This eventually grows into herb-rich grassland which provides a valuable source of food for the numerous species of butterfly that can be seen here. More observant visitors may come across the cylindrical caterpillars of the dingy skipper that live in shelters they make by binding leaves together with silk.

The area of marshy willow woodland has an interesting ground flora with a number of more uncommon plant species including skullcap. Skullcap is a delicate member of the nettle family. This area also provides cover for a number of birds such as woodcock and great spotted woodpecker. Listen out for the drumming noise made by the woodpeckers as they peck the bark of trees searching for insects to eat.

In the south-eastern corner of the site dense thickets of evergreen scrub provide shelter for roe deer and foxes and attract many species of bird.

The ponds on the Reserve contain common toad, common frog and newts, as well as several species of dragonfly. The colloquial name for dragonflies, horse-stingers, is somewhat misleading as they don’t sting. Some of the larger species are extremely inquisitive and if you stand still they will often fly close to check you out. The site is also home to some extremely interesting spider populations, including some rare and uncommon species.

Other regular visitors and residents include sparrowhawk and tawny owl.

Malton Picnic Area

The picnic area next to the River Browney is managed by the Countryside Group of Durham County Council. It has roost sites for a variety of bats including noctule, long-eared, daubentons, pipistrelle and foraging whiskered bats. Otters and mink pass through here as well as badgers and foxes. Kingfishers and yellow wagtails are regularly seen and it is one of the best places to see dippers and tawny owls at night time. Butterflies include comma, which use the remnant elms, orange tip, small tortoiseshell, peacock, and green veined white.

Malton Nature Reserve and Picnic Site

Location

Malton village is just off the A691 Durham to Consett road, ½ mile east of Lanchester. Follow the signpost 'Malton picnic area'.

Grid reference: NZ 177465

Facilities

Free parking (with disabled parking bays), picnic tables and benches.

The riverside path to 'The Water’s Meetings' and picnic fields is easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The Lanchester Valley Railway Path is an easy access route. The path remains level to Langley Park, however towards Lanchester there are a couple of short sections with relatively steep gradients.

Enquiries about Malton Nature Reserve

Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows
Chilton Moor
Houghton-Le-Spring
Tyne and Wear
DH4 6PU
Tel 0191 584 3112

Enquiries about Malton Picnic Area

Countryside Group
Durham County Council
Environment
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel 0191 383 3594