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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve

Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve

Blackhall Colliery
County Durham
TS27 4DG

Tel: +44 0191 584 3112

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Add Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Rock formation and beach
  • Rock formation and beach
  • A couple walking on beach
  • Blackhall rocks coastline
  • Family playing with pebbles on beach
  • Coastal grassland with sea in background

About

This coastal site is as important for both its geology and wildlife. The cliffs and coastal area feature natural exposures of reef-limestone, set down 250 million years ago in the waters on the ancient Zechstein Sea, glacial boulder clays and beds of gravel.

The caves in the southern section of cliffs are the largest in Durham’s magnesium limestone coastline.

The site attracts a variety of insects with 15 species of butterfly recorded, including Durham brown argus, and the rare cistus forester moth.

This unique geology supports a very rich flora on the cliffs and coastal grassland, including species such as quaking grass, rockrose and bloody cranesbill. The wet gullies contain many locally rare plants, such as butterwort, grass of Parnassus and bird’s eye primrose. The slopes of Blue House Gill host low growing scrub with privet and willows, which support breeding birds and provide a stop off point for spring and autumn migrants.

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Opening Times

2025 (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

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Highlights...

couple walking on the Durham Heritage CoastDurham Heritage Coast Walk, SeahamThe clifftop coastal footpath of Durham's Heritage Coast is a treat for nature lovers. This once coal scarred landscape has been lovingly restored to thriving coastal grassland, home to wild flora and fauna and with beautiful views.

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