Low Barns

One of our region’s most important wildlife sites, this wetland reserve, bordered by the River Wear, also contains mixed woodlands and species rich grasslands.
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 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.

Reserve details
Size: 
46.64
Short Description: 
One of the county's most important wildlife sites; with a visitor centre and a coffee shop
Smartphone Description: 
Low Barns has developed following gravel extraction along the Banks of the River Wear. Wetland features include 3 lakes interconnecting streams, a number of ponds and a wetland pasture. Birdlife is varied and abundant and includes the kingfisher. The small ponds are excellent places to view damselflies and dragonflies, including the southern hawker
Location
Address: 
West of Bishop Auckland, close to the A68
Town: 
Witton-le-Wear
County: 
Durham
Postcode: 
DL14 0AG
Grid ref: 
NZ 159 315
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
Vistor centre?
Shop: 
Shop
Picnic Area: 
Picnic area
Opening hours: 
Reserve open 24/7/365; visitor centre open 10am-4pm seven days a week
Toilets: 
Yes Toilets
Disabled toilet: 
Disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Good access with smooth, wide pathways between the many hides suitable for all mobilities.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Parking at Low Barns Visitor Center, until 4:30pm, roadside after 4.30pm
Walking information: 
Full wheelcahir access to all hides. Well surfaced circular route takes about 45 minutes.
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Durham Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01388 488 728
Reserve email address: 
mail@durhamwt.co.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://durhamwt.com/reserves/low-barns/
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
June
Best time to visit
Start: 
June
End: 
September
Best time to visit
Start: 
August
End: 
October
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve