Durham - Low Barns

More than 120 acres of wetland run by the Durham Wildlife Trust. Developed after the ending of gravel digging along the banks of the Wear, it's a series of interconnected lakes and marsh. Across it all is a network of wooden boardwalks.

WHERE IS IT?
The reserve is west of Bishop Auckland, close to the A68. From the A68 follow the brown signposts (Low Barns Nature Reserve) through Witton-le-Wear, turning right at the Victoria public house. Once over the level crossing, the centre is ½ mile along the road, once again signposted in brown. From the A689, it is ¾ mile west of High Grange. Regular buses run between Bishop Auckland and Crook.

WILDLIFE AT LOW BARNS
The real attraction at Low Barns is the birdlife with:

Bittern
Hoopoe
Wryneck
Pied Flycatcher
The wildfowl are best in the autumn and winter with tufted duck, goldeneye and goosander all present.

Other highlights are:
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Stoat
Fox
Roe deer