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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Durham Wildlife Trust
Witton-le-Wear
County Durham
DL14 0AG

Tel: +44 0191 584 3112

Email

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Add Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
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About

The reserve is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has become important for wildlife due to the wide range of habitats including wet woodland, grassland, open water and river side, which are home to many different types of birds, mammals, plants and insects.

However, Low Barns has not always been a haven for local wildlife. Originally farmland, the site underwent sand and gravel extraction until 1964 when the area was given to Durham Wildlife Trust and restored as a nature reserve. In 2003 a redundant sewage treatment works on the site was replaced with a new reedbed habitat and a boardwalk which enabled public access with minimal disturbance to wildlife.

The site’s flat terrain and large accessible bird hides make it an ideal place to visit for everyone.

There are three lakes and interconnecting streams, a number of mature ponds with extensive reedbeds and a wet pasture. The small ponds on the reserve are excellent for viewing damselflies and dragonflies such as the striking southern hawker, and also support amphibians such as common frog and smooth newt. The lakes and open water support good numbers of wildfowl, including overwintering bittern, and kingfishers are regularly seen.

The woodlands and grasslands on site add to the diversity of bird life throughout the year, from spectacular displays by flocks of roosting starlings to snipe, flycatchers and tawny owls.

There are several very well appointed bird hides across the reserve that are open to all visitors, and DWT members are able to purchase a key so that they can access the site out of hours when the wildlife is at its best.

Patient visitors may be rewarded by sightings of otter, fox, roe deer and stoat. Plant life is extremely rich and too numerous to list but as a result there are good numbers of butterflies on site, including dingy skipper and small copper.

The reserve, a great place to visit, has flat terrain and a network of surfaced pathways linking the bird hides allowing easy access for all visitors. The visitor centre on the site offers a coffee shop, web cam viewing of the bird feeders, wildlife photography displays, and local crafts. A great place to visit at any time of year.


 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Entrance to the reserve is free but we suggest a donation of £2.50 for parking for non-Durham Wildlife Trust members.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
95 reviews
    • Excellent
      61
    • Very Good
      27
    • Average
      5
    • Poor
      1
    • Terrible
      1

    Recent Reviews:

    • 135DavidS135
      Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      PLEASANT DISTRACTION
      4 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 19th April 2023
      Low Barns wetland reserve is one of County Durham's most important wildlife sites. It's located adjacent to the River Wear and a joy to walk around. Wetland features include three lakes, several... Read full review
    • Graham R
      Honiton, United Kingdom
      Durham Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 13th May 2023
      This is a brilliant local nature reserve by the River Wear. There is an accessible circular route and several hides. The boardwalk is closed pending replacement. It is particularly busy at weekends... Read full review
    • Emma S
      Durham, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      Nice walk, terrible cafe service
      3 of 5 stars
      Friday, 2nd June 2023
      Love walk with beautiful scenes. I came with my mam and our 2 dogs. The reason why I’ve only put 3 stars is because there were only 4 tables in the shop - 2 had already been served, our table and a... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2023

    Access Information

    Opening Times

    2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)

    * Car park barriers now open from 9.30 – 16:30 – Visitor Centre, office and café still closed.

    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DurhamWildlifeTrust/

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