River Wear at Riverside Park

About the Site

This site is home to a variety of small mammals including hedgehogs, rabbits, field mice and moles. Flocks of ducks congregate on the river as do some swans, and it is often possible to see heron feeding. Amongst the many birds visiting the site are moor hens, shags, cormorants, kestrels, robins, blue tits and pheasants.

Yellow flag irises grow in the wildlife pond, where frogs and dragonflies can also be found. Many species of wild flower occur on the site, including scabious and several species of orchids. Numerous trees such as willow, oak, alder and birch have been planted on site.

River Wear at Riverside Park

Location

The Riverside Park can be found on the east side of Chester-le-Street, adjacent to the A1 motorway about 7 miles north of Durham City on the A167.

Facilities

Chester-le-Street Riverside is a leisure development, consisting of a Sports Complex, park and gardens, play area, outdoor paddling pool, riverside walks and wildlife area.

There are tables and seats by the river and many unusual sculptures and pieces of art around the site, one of the most popular being the carved wooden frog seat located in the wildlife area.

There are plenty of pay and display car parking spaces at the centre and a bicycle stand next to the sports complex.

At the park centre you will find a snack bar (limited opening hours in the winter) and toilets with baby changing and disabled facilities. Additional toilets and vending machines are located in the Sports Pavilion.

You may visit the wildlife area at any time throughout the year, however, please note that there are no street lights in this area and so daytime visits are recommended.

Public transport; any bus to Chester-le-Street town centre, then a pleasant ¾ mile walk. Alternatively, it is about 1 mile from Chester-le-Street train station.

Enquiries

Riverside Sports Complex
Riverside South
Chester-le-Street
County Durham
DH2 3SJ
Tel: 0191 389 0986