Low Barns Nature Reserve
Saturday, 31st January, 2009 by Terry Ferdinand
Low Barns Nature Reserve can be found about two miles from Bishop Auckland,on the road to Crook.
It is a hidden little gem of about 100 acres of woodland, scrub, lakes and footpaths and run by the Durham Wildlife Trust. It is bordered on one side by the road and the other by the mighty River Wear, and in between is a series of artificial lakes providing a breeding habitat for many species of wild birds.
Visitors are well catered for, with a beautful modern visitors centre, complete with cafe, information, ample car parking and strategically placed web cams giving good views of the birds and there nests. Next to the car park there is a well stocked feeding station, providing the visitors with a chance to get up close an personal to a whole array of garden birds and animals.
You can then take a stroll round the 2 mile perimeter stopping at various hides with your camera or binoculars and take in the more exotic varities of wild birds. In the summer there are a variety of activities taking place, from workshops to charcoal burning, (which can be bought from the shop) and all run by volunteers. If you wish to be a more active particapant, you can always volunteer for some of the many activities taking place throughout the year, from woodland management, re-laying new paths, clearing the brash, charcoal making, fence mending etc, training and equipment is supplied.
For more information, visit the Low Barns Nature Reserve website.
Interviews
Terry discusses volunteering at Low Barns with Emma Pearson, Volunteer Reserve Officer.
Wellington boots required as volunteer Andy describes the nature reserve.
Maria tells Terry about taking part in Woodland Management at the nature reserve.
Photos
View the Low Barns Nature Reserve set on Flickr.
