Ragpath Heath

Ragpath Heath Nature Reserve

Ragpath Heath

A small area of remnant wet heath and acid, oak woodland

Location

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Ragpath Heath Nature Reserve
Lanchester
DH7 0SX
A static map of Ragpath Heath

Know before you go

Size
4 hectares
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Grazing animals

Yes
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Walking trails

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Access

Terrain: Moderate
No pathways and not accessible for those with limited mobility. Very waterlogged in parts.

Access and Parking
Follow the B6296 for 3km west of Lanchester and turn left onto Holehouse Lane. The reserve is located at the junction with Ragpath Lane. Limited roadside parking is available at the reserve entrance west of Ragpathside Farm.

Public Transport
The reserve is not readily accessible by public transport. Private transportation is recommended. 

Dogs

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Guide dogs and Assistance dogs only

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

About the reserve

The single, old juniper tree and areas of cross-leaved heath, heather and bilberry and sphagnum mosses on this reserve show the original heath land character of the wider area.

This small reserve is separated into two by a minor road and is made up of woodland, heathland and grassland. The wooded areas are dominated by silver birch and contain oak, ash and rowan with abundant ground flora such as wood sorrel, dog’s mercury, moschatel.

There is a single, old juniper tree and areas of cross-leaved heath, heather and bilberry and sphagnum mosses showing the original heath land character of the wider area. Ragpath Heath is a common, which is probably why the site has retained its original character.

An area of open grassland in the south-east corner of the site is particularly species-rich and includes pignut, devils bit scabious and great burnet.

Typical bird species recorded include woodcock, redpoll, bullfinch and willow warbler. Small copper and brimstone butterfly and roe deer are also seen and over 60 species of fungi have been recorded.

Contact us

Durham Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 0191 584 3112
Contact email: mail@durhamwt.co.uk