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Project Description

Wild Wetlands has enhanced the Low Barns Nature Reserve at Witton-le-Wear by providing new complementary wetland and meadow habitats, expanding on the existing habitats in the nature reserve. An abandoned sewage works next to the reserve has been transformed into a new reedbed. Species benefitting from these new habitats include: dragonflies; damselflies; reed bunting; freshwater snails; otter; bat; frog; toad; newt; waders and wildfowl.

Public access to the site has been improved with the provision of two new bird hides overlooking the new habitats. In addition to this the project has developed educational materials and displays both in the hides and at the nature reserve's visitor centre.

Length of Project

Start date: July 2003
End date: July 2005

Project Area

This project took place at the Low Barns Nature Reserve near Witton-le-Wear.

Contact Details

For more information about the Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre contact:
Mark Richardson
Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows
Chilton Moor
Houghton-le-Spring
Tyne & Wear
DH4 6PU

Tel: 0191 584 3112
Fax: 0191 584 3934
Email: mrichardson@durhamwt.co.uk