What are the opening hours?

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

Low Barns Nature Reserve

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Low Barns Nature Reserve

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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, and 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.

25/10/2026

Visitor update 25.10.26. Low Barns Nature Reserve, visitor centre and the coffee shop are closed until Monday due to disruption caused by the current high winds. Apologies for any inconvenience.

21/10/2026

We are very sorry to share news of another break-in at Low Barns Nature Reserve.

At 9.08pm on Sunday evening our visitor centre building was broken into by two individuals. Internal doors were damaged, glass windows were smashed and the Trust’s office pulled apart.

Thankfully, very little was stolen, as nothing of value is stored at Low Barns, with no cash left on the premises overnight.

That said, the costs to Durham Wildlife Trust - as the charity which owns and cares for Low Barns - are significant, both emotionally and financially. Our staff, who put their hearts and souls into the reserve, have been left upset and disappointed. The clean ups, repairs and higher insurance premiums all take time and money away from caring for nature.

We would like to ask those living locally to Low Barns to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity at the reserve. You can do so via the police non-emergency number 101 or in an emergency please call 999.

Monday was an upsetting day for our team and we know that this will also be the case for regulars who love Low Barns as we do. We will keep our heads up and keep on with our good work, not letting the destructive actions of a few dishearten us. Low Barns will be open as usual for the community, please share this post so we can get the word out and please continue to visit and enjoy our wonderful nature reserve in the changing seasons.

💚 For those who would like to support Low Barns at this time, you can donate here:

Support our work for wildlife by donating to Durham Wildlife Trust

20/10/2026

20.10.26: We are pleased to say our visitor centre and the coffee shop will reopen today.

19/10/2026

19.10.26: The visitor centre and coffee shop at Low Barns will be closed today. Apologies for any inconvenience.

13/10/2026

The sun shining on our wonderful Exmoor ponies today. 😍

05/10/2026

We are looking for someone who can think strategically and deliver on the ground. A natural leader, the perfect candidate will have a track record of delivering engagement activities and use that experience to drive engagement with the Trust across a range of opportunities, from campaigning and advo...

05/10/2026

Visitor notice: the north hide is currently closed. Apologies for any inconvenience.

07/09/2026

The future of National Lottery funding is being decided.

From precious wild places and threatened species, to the green spaces that help communities thrive, nature is part of who we are.

But National Lottery funding could be taken away. This would be a mistake that will impact communities and wildlife across the UK.

For years, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has helped bring wildlife back, restore habitats, tackle climate change, reduce flood risk and connect communities of all kinds with nature. But in the UK Government's current plans, nature is not considered part of "heritage".

This means vital funding for wildlife and habitat restoration could end. People and wildlife will lose out.
There’s a short time left to respond to the consultation – please tell the UK Government that nature IS heritage and must continue to be supported through National Lottery funding.

Nature is our heritage. 💚Can you give your voice to nature today?

https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/199433/action/1?ea.tracking.id=Facebook

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.

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

http://www.durhamwt.com/

Alerts

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