Herrington Hill
Terrain: Difficult
Size: 6.63 hectares
OS Map: 308
Nearest Postcode: DH4 4NP
Nearest Town: West Herrington
Grid Reference: NZ 348 529
Please note: Cattle are currently used to graze this site in order to improve grassland quality.
One of the few remnants of very rare primary species rich magnesian limestone grasslands in the country.
An extensive area of magnesian limestone grassland with all the classic indicator species that define this internationally rare plant community.
Blue moor grass is the dominant grass with common rock rose, carline thistle, wild thyme, burnet saxifrage, felwort, restharrow and sea plantain which is more commonly associated with the coast.
The grassland is rich in invertebrates and meadow brown and common blue butterflies are abundant during the summer months.
There are stands of dense gorse and hawthorn scrub invading the western slope which does provide nesting cover for linnet, yellowhammer and common whitethroat.
Reserve Map & Access
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Terrain
Difficult due to steep slopes.
Access & Parking
There is open access to DWT members but there are no defined footpaths and very steep slopes. There are currently no formal parking arrangements but visitors should take care parking on the roadside to the north of the reserve.
Dogs
Welcome but must always be kept on a lead due to grazing animals on site.
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.
