Cuthbert’s Moor, a 121-hectare upland moorland, represents a remarkable milestone as Durham Wildlife Trust's 50th nature reserve. This precious expanse of land, once dedicated to grouse management, now stands as a testament to the Trust's commitment to conservation. Nestled within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Cuthbert’s Moor is within the Teesdale Allotments Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a designation of national significance.

Managing Moors: Project Overview

The Managing Moors Project is an initial 12-month project that is a beacon of hope for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Funded by the ScottishPower Foundation and The Linder Foundation, this initiative has been making strides in restoring the moor's unique ecosystem and engaging the local communities with the reserve. Our mission is to not only conserve its existing wildlife but to nurture its prospects. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our team, and partnerships with organisations like the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Peatland Partnership, the project is now well underway.

Wildlife Wonderland

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the discovery of the vibrant birdlife that calls Cuthbert's Moor home. curlew, golden plover, meadow pipit, cuckoo, short-eared owl, and black grouse may not be familiar to all, but their presence underscores the importance of this site for birds. Along with our feathered friends we have discovered adder, common lizard and several invertebrates including the small copper butterfly and moss carda bee.

Habitat Restoration

An outcome of the Managing Moors Project is to conduct condition assessments and vegetation surveys which will underpin our restoration plans.  Our professional surveys have brought forth promising results. Sphagnum mosses, such as sphagnum capillifolium and sphagnum palustre, are found on the site, along with the rare pale forget-me-not (Myosotis stolonifera). The presence of sphagnum, instrumental in peat formation, and this rare flowering plant indicate the potential for habitat restoration. The North Pennines AONB Peatland Partnership has conducted a hydrology survey of Cuthbert’s Moor. Understanding the moor’s hydrology is vital if re-wetting proposals are to be successfully implemented.

Community Engagement

Connecting people to nature is crucial for fostering environmental awareness and conservation. The involvement of volunteers and collaboration with organisations like Bright Woods Forest School are excellent strategies to achieve this goal. Citizen science activities not only contribute valuable data but also empower individuals to actively participate in conservation efforts.

Hosting public engagement events and educational sessions in primary schools near the moor are impactful ways to reach a broader audience. Seeing young students excited about peatlands is a promising sign for the future, as instilling an appreciation for nature at a young age can lead to a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Durham Wildlife Trust was able to purchase the land previously known as Horden Allotment thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor through the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). Having heard the land was for sale, and used for commercial grouse shooting, the donor wanted to ensure it would be preserved for wildlife and environmental conservation instead. CAF reached out to Durham Wildlife Trust to offer to fund the land purchase on behalf of the donor and facilitated an £850,000 donation. The land was renamed Cuthbert’s Moor, a name chosen by the donor as a nod to St Cuthbert who is associated with Durham and hailed as an early conservationist. Legend has it that those who harassed or ate his beloved eider ducks were struck down by Cuthbert’s curse!