County Durham has some of the most beautiful countryside and coastal landscapes in Britain. It is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, and the area has a fascinating historical and geological heritage.
What we do
We:
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look after our country parks, nature reserves, picnic areas and railway paths
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make sure our sites are safe and well-maintained
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constantly develop sites to meet the needs of users and wildlife
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look after the county's wildlife and biodiversity
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work with volunteers and community groups
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promote the countryside through events and guided walks
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run environmental education sessions.
Where can I visit?
There are many countryside sites available to visit depending on what your interests are.
- Country parks - larger sites with walking routes, wildlife and picnic areas
- Picnic areas - ideal places to get some fresh air and have a break
- Nature reserves - the place to go to watch wildlife and see conservation in action
- Railway Paths - linear routes which are perfect for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. ***Resurfacing works on Waskerley Way (part of C2C), see Railway Paths webpage for details)***
- Overview of our sites -
Countryside Sites map .pdf (2 pages, 2234kb)
Countryside events and guided walks
We have something for all tastes in our countryside events and guided walks programme. Come and explore with us through a variety of activities:
Countryside volunteering
If you want to help us look after the countryside, there are many opportunities for you to get involved in countryside volunteering. These include:
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practical work repairing paths, mending fences and clearing vegetation
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helping with guided walks and events
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checking countryside sites and footpaths
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reporting any problems
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tree planting
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corporate and community volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make new friends and get fit. Everyone is welcome and no prior experience is necessary.
Environmental education
We have a dedicated education team who provide a broad programme of school sessions throughout the year. All sessions are closely linked to the National Curriculum. Details are on the Hardwick Park web page.
Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park is a country park with a difference. The park has survived since the 1750s and has been restored to its former glory, thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. This stunning landscape contains a large lake, follies, sculptures, picnic areas and a variety of wildlife.
The modern visitor centre has excellent facilities including an interactive exhibition space, fully equipped education room, cafe and public toilets.
Throughout the year there are a variety of events, activities, walks and workshops for everyone to enjoy.
More information
For more countryside information, please click on one of the links below:
Other sources of information
