Durham Wildlife Trust (Low Barns Nature Reserve)

Low Barns Nature Reserve

Witton-le-Wear

Bishop Auckland

Co. Durham

DL14 0AG

Contact: Durham Wildlife Trust 

Phone: 0191 584 3112

Email: [email protected] 

Website: Durham Wildlife Trust

Durham Wildlife Trust is a nature restoration charity committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment across County Durham, Darlington, Gateshead, Sunderland, and South Tyneside. With over 50 years of experience in land management, the Trust oversees more than 3,000 acres of diverse habitats, ranging from grasslands and woodlands to rivers and wetlands.

Low Barns Nature Reserve is one of the region’s most important wildlife sites and a flagship nature reserve for the Trust. This wetland reserve, bordered by the River Wear, also contains mixed woodlands and species-rich grasslands. 

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 support amphibians such as common frog and smooth newt. The lakes and open water support good numbers of wildfowl, including overwintering bittern. Kingfishers are regularly seen in the area.

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 Durham Wildlife Trust members are able to purchase a key so that they can access the site out of hours when the wildlife is at its best.

There is also a visitor centre, hosting displays of traditional conservation tools, a gift shop selling a selection of nature-themed products and a coffee shop serving delicious home-baked cakes, light bites and hot drinks.