Rabbit Bank Wood

About the Site

This small reserve consists of oak woodland on a south facing slope, marsh, a series of pastures and a quarry in the north western corner. These varied habitats offer something of interest in every season.

The area of woodland is dominated by old, gnarly oak trees with an understorey of holly. These oaks with their hollows and snags provide homes for a whole host of insects and birds. Great spotted woodpecker are one of many species known to nest in the oaks.

The drumming sound created by the woodpeckers pecking the bark of the trees in search of insects to eat is a familiar sound in Rabbit Bank Wood. The laughing call of the green woodpecker is also likely to be heard, although contrary to what their name implies, this species of bird is more likely to be seen foraging and poking around on patches of grassland for insects. Galls (also called oak apples) are abundant in the wood. These are actually formed by the tree as a reaction to small species of parasitic wasp. Ash, hawthorn and rowan trees are also scattered throughout the woodland. Thick mats of moss cover the trunks of mature trees and form soft carpets on the woodland floor.

The marshy area on the Reserve consists of dry hummocks with gorse, and boggy hollows with meadowsweet, marsh marigold and willow. Marsh marigolds are conspicuous plants with their bright yellow flowers blooming in early spring that sharply contrast with the tousled brown of the surrounding grasses. Meadowsweet produces attractive frothy white flowers with a dill-like aroma in mid to late summer. Frogs are commonly seen in this marshy area along with craneflies (more commonly known as daddy long legs) and a wide range of other species that breed in wet soil.

The bulk of the pasture has been improved although some herb-rich areas remain, containing great burnet and other interesting species. Great burnet is a tall herb with ‘blood clot’ like flower heads that can be seen between June and September, attracting a host of insects.

A number of dense and varied hedgerows line the Reserve that support nesting birds such as whitethroats.

Rabbit Bank Wood

Location

The reserve is located between Consett and Lanchester, and best approached from the A68. Turn off eastwards at NZ 088477, one mile south of Castleside and take the first turning on the left, down the narrow, winding Knitsley Lane. The reserve lies to the west of the road.

Parking for 2 or 3 cars is available on the grass verge by the entrance, but please take care not to block the road and entrances used by farm vehicles. Access is over a stile in the fence. Boots are recommended as the ground is wet throughout.

There is an abandoned quarry with steep faces at the northern end – please keep away from the edges.

Grid reference: NZ 112484.

Facilities

None. The site is not suitable for wheelchair access.

Enquiries

Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows
Chilton Moor
Houghton-Le-Spring
Tyne and Wear
DH4 6PU
Tel: 0191 5843112