Terrain: Moderate Size: 202.1 hectares OS Map: 307
Nearest Postcode: DH7 9ET Nearest Town: Tow Law Grid Reference: NZ 149 414
Space for notices concerning current Nature Reserve
One of the largest mid-altitude heathlands remaining in County Durham, Hedleyhope Fell is a mosaic of heather, bilberry, acid grassland, rush pasture, bracken beds, patches of gorse and scattered trees.
Common lizard and slow worm make their home at the Fell as well as twenty butterfly species, including green hairstreak.
Heathland plant life flourishes, including bell heather, cross-leaved heath, crowberry, bilberry, cotton grass and several rarer plants such as petty whin, stags-horn club moss and adder’s tongue fern.
The heather provides an impressive display of colour in late summer and autumn.
Bird life includes lapwing, skylark and curlew and the woodland on site supports stonechat and tree sparrow. Several species of owl can also be seen on the reserve.
Hedleyhope Fell is the Trust’s largest nature reserve and is well served with car parks and footpaths. The Fell is a common and is grazed by common holder’s livestock year round.
Reserve Images
Images of Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve
Reserve Map & Access
Terrain: Moderate
Mixed terrain with three marked walking trails. Trail one is accessible for those with limited mobility around the top of the Fell.
Access and Parking
The reserve is located east of Tow Law and both car parks can be accessed by turning off the B6301 Tow Law to Cornsay Colliery Road at the top of Hedley Hill. Enter the reserve directly from car parks.
Public Transport
No public transport available at this time. Private transport is recommended.
Dogs
Welcome, but on leads at all times
Support our work
Durham Wildlife Trust Relies on the support of its members and volunteers to help manage and maintain its nature reserves for you, for wildlife and for future generations.
Every £1 raised through membership generates £5.32 for nature conservation from Tees to Tyne. Please join today if you are not already a member.
Join Durham WT Botany Group to the former lead mine, Ashes Quarry, which is rich in mosses and liverworts (Bryophytes) and other wildlife. Mosses and liverworts are a beautiful site at this time of[...]
The nature club for 4-11s! Join us this month for Woodland Christmas Crafts! Come and see what wonderful things you can make using the outdoors! £1 per child. Please book your place online as it[...]
The Active Sunderland Wellness Walking Programme is FREE, fun, friendly, and a perfect way to help you to get more active and to meet new people. Walkers are advised to: confirm their attendance in advance[...]
In Focus experts will be on-hand at Low Barns Nature Reserve with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.
Come to explore, discover and conserve at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve. Monthly activities throughout the year to engage curious young minds and equip future nature scientists with the tools they need to enjoy, investigate and[...]
