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.
24th September – Creatures of the Night We will be learning all about the wild creatures which come out and explore Low Barns Nature Reserve after dark, and make some night-time creature crafts for you to[...]
Connect the mind, body and soul with the earth and with nature in our Nature Reserve Yoga class. £6 a session. Email roymoor4@aol.com for more information.
A fantastic opportunity for teens interested in wildlife. Join our volunteer workforce for the day and find out what it takes to manage a nature reserve. Morning and afternoon sessions available, either come for one[...]
Join us for a guided walk to discover how DWT have managed the Milkwellburn Woods conifer plantation to give the remnants of semi-natural flora and fauna a chance to come back, and how we can[...]
Members only – booking essential. Enjoy an Autumn stroll of Rainton Meadows, looking for wildlife and recording some of the creatures we see. Perfect for young explorers. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult.
