About the reserve

Baal Hill is a surviving relic of ancient woodland and is steeped in heritage. It was owned in the fourteenth century by the Prince Bishops of Durham and the Bishop’s Oak, an impressive veteran oak tree thought to be over four hundred years old, is situated at the northern end of the site. Various suggestions have been made to explain the origin of the name ‘Baal Hill’ – a reference to an old term for a pit used for lead smelting, or to the fact that the Bishop’s bailiff lived nearby. Baal could also be a corruption of bale, an old word for a fire or beacon. Originally upland oak and birch woodland, the site now has significant areas of birch and also some exotic species such as giant redwoods and monkey puzzle planted under previous ownership. This beautiful semi-natural woodland is perhaps best seen in spring, with bluebells and wild garlic in flower. Bird life is varied with wood warblers, redstarts and pied flycatchers, as well as woodcock and buzzard. Roe deer are frequently seen throughout the woodland. Baal Hill Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognised as nationally important for wildlife.