Low Barns Nature Reserve

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Low Barns Nature Reserve Low Barns is a valuable wetland reserve and one of County Durham’s most important wildlife sites, located adjacent to the River Wear.
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Previously farmland and pits, Low Barns is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and has been managed by DWT since 1964 when gravel extraction ceased. 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 to the barrier 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.

The sun shining on our wonderful Exmoor ponies today. 😍
13/10/2026

The sun shining on our wonderful Exmoor ponies today. 😍

05/10/2026

We are looking for someone who can think strategically and deliver on the ground. A natural leader, the perfect candidate will have a track record of delivering engagement activities and use that experience to drive engagement with the Trust across a range of opportunities, from campaigning and advo...

05/10/2026

Visitor notice: the north hide is currently closed. Apologies for any inconvenience.

07/09/2026

The future of National Lottery funding is being decided.

From precious wild places and threatened species, to the green spaces that help communities thrive, nature is part of who we are.

But National Lottery funding could be taken away. This would be a mistake that will impact communities and wildlife across the UK.

For years, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has helped bring wildlife back, restore habitats, tackle climate change, reduce flood risk and connect communities of all kinds with nature. But in the UK Government's current plans, nature is not considered part of "heritage".

This means vital funding for wildlife and habitat restoration could end. People and wildlife will lose out.
There’s a short time left to respond to the consultation – please tell the UK Government that nature IS heritage and must continue to be supported through National Lottery funding.

Nature is our heritage. 💚Can you give your voice to nature today?

https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/199433/action/1?ea.tracking.id=Facebook

26/08/2026
30/07/2026

⚠️ Due to continued hot and dry weather, the Trust will not be making any more charcoal for the foreseeable future. Charcoal-making under these conditions can pose a fire risk and will therefore be postponed until safer weather conditions.

There are currently low stocks of charcoal available to purchase from Rainton Meadows Visitor Centre, Low Barns Visitor Centre and Broom House Farm.

Spotted this week at Low Barns. 🐛🦋😍
23/07/2026

Spotted this week at Low Barns. 🐛🦋😍

09/07/2026
Meadow brown spotted this week at Low Barns. 😍
08/07/2026

Meadow brown spotted this week at Low Barns. 😍

If you’re visiting Low Barns please watch out for our little hopping friends. 🐸
26/06/2026

If you’re visiting Low Barns please watch out for our little hopping friends. 🐸

Address

Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland
DL140AG

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441915843112

Website

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