Understanding and conserving the diversity of the County Durham Landscape

National and Local Nature Reserves

National Nature Reserves were established to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and as places for scientific research. They are either owned or controlled by Natural England or held by approved bodies such as Wildlife Trusts. There are 6 National Nature Reserves within County Durham. Five are managed by Natural England including Moorhouse and Upper Teesdale; Castle Eden Dene; Thrislington; Cassop Vale; Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick Woods whilst, the Durham Coast, is managed largely by other organisations.

Local Nature Reserves are established by local authorities. There are thirteen LNRs in County Durham which are owned and managed by Durham County Council including:

  • Cong Burn Wood Local Nature Reserve
  • Greencroft Heath Local Nature Reserve
  • Little Wood Local Nature Reserve
  • Low Newton Junction Local Nature Reserve
  • Pity Me Carrs
  • Raisby Way and Trimdon Grange Quarry
  • Tanfield Lea Marsh Local Nature Reserve
  • Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve
  • Cow Plantation
  • Willington North Dene
  • Coxhoe Hall Wood
  • Coxhoe Quarry Wood

Local and National Nature Reserves

Further Information