Westwood Meadow

An example of what ones man’s passion can mean for the future of wildlife. Westwood Meadow is a small but perfect living legacy, curated by local land owner and resident. At just over half a hectare in size this herb rich lowland meadow has been natured by the James family. A meadow habitat, herbs include, Lady’s mantles, betony, orchids, with associated invertebrate and ornithological interest.

Location

Westwood Meadow Nature Reserve

Ebchester

DH8 0TF

OS Map Reference

NZ099 548

Know before you go

Size

1 hectare

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

None

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

None

Access

By appointment only

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Closed to public. Visit by appointment only.

Best time to visit

June, July

About the reserve

An example of what ones man’s passion can mean for the future of wildlife. Westwood Meadow is a small but perfect living legacy, curated by Andrew and Noreen James. At just over half a hectare in size, this herb-rich lowland meadow has been natured by the James family since ????.

With no designation or protection for the site Andrew and Noreen approached the Trust in 2021 to become involved in this site's long-term guardianship. 2022 sees the Trust entering into a 99-year lease on this site. In addition to the conservation of this site, this meadow is a catalyst for local meadow restoration in the Derwent Valley, and has already contributed seed towards the restoration of grassland sites at Chopwell Meadows and The Folly. Herbs include: lady’s mantles, betony, and orchids.