Ragpath Wood
About the Site
Ragpath Wood is a large mixed woodland located on the steep hillside above the River Deerness, in this attractive and well-wooded valley. It forms part of a larger area of woodland that occupies the southern slopes of the Deerness Valley overlooking the old mining village of Esh Winning. An old railway line, now forming part of the Deerness Valley Railway Path, separates the wood from houses of the village.
In many areas on the steep slopes the scrub layer is typical of heathland with heather, bilberry, gorse and broom. Along the flatter areas by the river, soils are richer and there are carpets of ramsons, wood anemone and wood sorrel, with areas of butterbur. The name ramsons is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word hramsa, meaning rank. This refers to the strong garlic smell given off by this species, which is also known as wild garlic. A number of fern species are also found in damper parts of the wood.
Ragpath Wood
Location
Take the A690 south west out of Durham. Turn right onto the B6302 through Ushaw Moor towards Esh Winning. The wood is situated on the hillside to the left of the road.Facilities
Two bridleways and a public footpath cross the site and there are also permissive paths: all of which are well used.
Enquiries
Woodland TrustAutumn Park
Dysart Road
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 6LL
Tel: 01476 581111
