Low Barns Nature Reserve

Low Barns Nature Reserve Low Barns is a valuable wetland reserve and one of County Durham’s most important wildlife sites, located adjacent to the River Wear.
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Previously farmland and pits, Low Barns is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and has been managed by DWT since 1964 when gravel extraction ceased. There are three lakes and interconnecting streams, a number of mature ponds with extensive reedbeds and a wet pasture. The small ponds on the reserve are excellent for viewing damselflies and dragonflies such as the striking southern hawker, an

d also support amphibians such as common frog and smooth newt. The lakes and open water support good numbers of wildfowl, including overwintering bittern, and kingfishers are regularly seen. The woodlands and grasslands on site add to the diversity of bird life throughout the year, from spectacular displays by flocks of roosting starlings to snipe, flycatchers and tawny owls. There are several very well appointed bird hides across the reserve that are open to all visitors, and DWT members are able to purchase a key to the barrier so that they can access the site out of hours when the wildlife is at its best. Patient visitors may be rewarded by sightings of otter, fox, roe deer and stoat. Plant life is extremely rich and too numerous to list but as a result there are good numbers of butterflies on site, including dingy skipper and small copper. The reserve, a great place to visit, has flat terrain and a network of surfaced pathways linking the bird hides allowing easy access for all visitors. The visitor centre on the site offers a coffee shop, web cam viewing of the bird feeders, wildlife photography displays, and local crafts. A great place to visit at any time of year.

26/08/2026
30/07/2026

⚠️ Due to continued hot and dry weather, the Trust will not be making any more charcoal for the foreseeable future. Charcoal-making under these conditions can pose a fire risk and will therefore be postponed until safer weather conditions.

There are currently low stocks of charcoal available to purchase from Rainton Meadows Visitor Centre, Low Barns Visitor Centre and Broom House Farm.

Spotted this week at Low Barns. 🐛🦋😍
23/07/2026

Spotted this week at Low Barns. 🐛🦋😍

09/07/2026
Meadow brown spotted this week at Low Barns. 😍
08/07/2026

Meadow brown spotted this week at Low Barns. 😍

If you’re visiting Low Barns please watch out for our little hopping friends. 🐸
26/06/2026

If you’re visiting Low Barns please watch out for our little hopping friends. 🐸

Common blue damselfly and speckled wood butterfly spotted this week at Low Barns.😍 📷 Caitlin Elwin
24/06/2026

Common blue damselfly and speckled wood butterfly spotted this week at Low Barns.😍

📷 Caitlin Elwin

An orange-tip butterfly resting on bluebells at Low Barns.😍📷 Caitlin Elwin
12/05/2026

An orange-tip butterfly resting on bluebells at Low Barns.😍
📷 Caitlin Elwin

A stunning, sunny day at Low Barns Nature Reserve. ☀️
30/04/2026

A stunning, sunny day at Low Barns Nature Reserve. ☀️

Address

Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland
DL140AG

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441915843112

Website

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