Low Barns Nature Reserve

[IanF]

Located off the A68 on the banks of the River Wear between Witton-le-wear and Bishop Auckland. It is signposted from both the A68 and A689 at High Grange. Access by car or public transport. Grid ref. NZ161315

The site, managed by the Durham Wildlife Trust, covers 120 acres, with habitats including mature mixed woodland, large and small ponds, open scubland and river side footpaths. In addition there is a visitors centre and car park with a very active Winter feeding station close by. The centre has several monitors connected up to cameras of nest boxes and the feeding station. Good footpaths cover the site which has no steep inclines enabling easy access for the disabled. The river side path can be a bit muddy in wet weather.

The reserve attracts a wide range of woodland and wetland birds and with the Pennines so close by there is always the chance of seeing interesting raptors passing through.

If open, the visitors centre is well worth a call in before you explore the site as the staff are very friendly and helpful and knowledgeable of what birds are about. Several leaflets and books are available too along with a cafe. At the rear of the centre is an observation tower giving distant views over the largest lake.

At the side of the car park is a picnic area and feeding station where bird ringing also takes place periodically. It's one of the best feeding stations in the county enabling very close inspection from 3' - 12' away of species such as Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Greenfinch,Great Spotted woodpecker, Pheasant, Coot and Moorhen etc. Brambling and Siskins also visit the feeders.

From beside the feeding station a footpath leads you alongside an ancient Alder Wood which is frequented by all of the birds mentioned above including Jay, many of which breed in the woods. A few hundred yards along the path to it's right you begin to see glimpses of a large expanse of water. This is the main body of water on the reserve, Marston Lake. You soon reach the first purpose built hide, the North Hide, a double-decker construction giving superb views over the lake. In Jan - Feb 2003 this hide was the perfect point to view a Bittern that took up residence in the reeds below the hide a mere 50 yards away. The lake itself hold a good selection of water birds and attracts migrating geese as well. Regular sightings include Goldeneye, Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Teal, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Shoveler, Shelduck, Wigeon, Goosander and various Gulls. I saw Little Gull there in Dec 2002 on one occasion.

Leaving the hide and turning right following the circular route around the lake you continue through the Alder woods, which change to predominantly birch and willow and the become a proper mixed woodland including some coniferous trees as you walk alongside the river.

You soon reach the South Hide similar in construction to the North Hide. It gives even better views across a wide expanse of water with the sun being behind you or to your left. Kingfisher can often be seen on either side of the hide or on the island opposite a favourite haunt for Little Grebe and Teal. A wide range of water birds can usually be spotted on the open water to the left of the hide, though a scope is best used.

From the hide continuing the circular walk, you enter a small area of predominantly fir trees before reaching more open rough land where I have seen Green Woodpecker on several occasions. Deer also frequent these areas. An area of sludge beds is due for reclamation and development as a new addition to the site. At this point there is a small deviation you can make, a short additional loop alongside the river, where again Kingfisher can be seen along with ChiffChaff in the Summer. Wrens are often seen from quite close too.

Moving on you reach the smaller West Pond. It is a bit more secluded and quieter, offering closer views of many birds from it's single storey hide. Summer 2002 saw a Ring Necked Duck in residence for several months affording excellent views. Sometimes this pond is almost deserted but at others full of life. The short path to the pond often holds Treecreepers, though they can be found around the whole site.

The path then leads back to the car park past another small pond and over a stream, more likely to hold Coot and Moorhen than anything else. A small butterfly garden is to your right as you re-enter the car park.

Other summer visitors include Warblers, Redstarts and the occasional Hoopoe ! Marston Lake is known for it's attraction of many unusual species such as Mandarin, Long Tailed Duck, red Breasted Merganser, Smew and Pintail which of course are very unpredictable.

All in all it's a superb birdwatching site. It can take several hours to cover properly but can also be done quite quickly i you're just looking for a certain species.

[peter hayes]

Ian, that is exactly the sort of entry that should should adorn every county site! Chatty, informative, it tells you everything you need to know. Superb. I think you have set the standard here.

[StevieEvans]

If Low Barns had to have a Bird Logo, then it would be :- Woodcock.

Before this site was 'spoiled' & turned into a dog emptiers walkway, it WAS THE best birdwatching location in Co.Dham.

Anyway, everything changes & its still a good birdy-spot.

I've had 87 species in a day, in & around the reserve.

A Hawfinch was at the feeding station earlier in June '03.

Lets hope that the new-wetland/reedbed can be built without destroying the wet meadow completely, ........the Jack Snipe and Water Rails will be disappointed otherwise......

[cuddy]

I can vouch for the friendliness of the staff and volunteers, at this site they are brilliant, a great reserve and one i keep returning too

[jayhunter]

Brilliant write up Ian, made me feel I had found another place to visit on my holidays. However on reading Steve's comments my enthusiasm has cooled a bit, we have places like that in Cheshire where the wonderful British animal lovers take their offspring to defecate all over footpaths! Still the birdlife and butterfly garden sound superb and worth a visit. Thanks for the write up.

[StevieEvans]

Dont let me put you off!

If youre nearby come & have a look.

Many bird groups are represented.

The site has strong numbers of Resident Woodland species, all 3 woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, all 6 titmice, Redpoll.
Bull, Gold, Chaff & Greenfinch, all resident

Summer visitors include all the common warblers. Theres no habitat for Reed, at present.
Lesser Whitethroat & Grasshopper Warbler have both held territories in the past 5 years

Redstart & Pied Fly both breed in small no's, Tree pipit previously did, & Wood Warbler is restricted to a few spring passage records.

On the river Dipper, Kingfisher, Heron, Grey & Pied Wag can often be seen, Yellow wag breeds on an adjacent site.

I have recorded Green Sandpiper in every month! Up to 6 birds can winter in this part of the valley, with passage birds numbering 12 (twelve)close-by

Over the lake Swift, Swallow & both Martins can be seen, there have been sporadic sightings of Hobbies, still a rare bird here, but theyre increasing.

Every couple of years theres a passage Osprey following the R.Wear, one sat on a hide to eat a fish years ago!
Sparrowhawk is common, & Kestrels can be seen adjacent to the reserve.

Buzzards are coming on now in the area and can be seen from the reserve throughout the year.Peregrine & Merlin are annual but scarce.

I shall try & sort out a species list for the site,.... its got Cattle Egrte, Little Egret, Bittern, Nightjar, Red Grouse, Smew, Mandarin, Long tailed Duck, Slav grebe, Hoopoe, Black Tern, Little Gull, Med Gull, 3 Ring necked Ducks(at once) etc etc

You are guarenteed, on a spring/summer evening Several Roding Woodcock! (We had a Female with young sat on the ground 1m away)
More Later Steve Evans.

[jayhunter]

Brilliant Steve, thanks for that, I am not near to Durham but discovered it when my daughter was at agricultural College "Hough Hall". Saw some nice birds up there on visits to see her in the Halls of residence and to walk through the grounds of the college and Durham Universities Botanic Gardens. So my wife and I plan to holiday in the area to visit some of the Parks and wide open spaces in the near future, redundancy is just around the corner.

[StevieEvans]

Bob
Give us a shout when you plan to vist & we'll try to sort out some more info for you.

The Houghall college is just along the road from me & is pronounced " Hoff - Al"
It houses the National Sorbus collection, & therefore gets Waxwing from time to time, & that immediate area has some good birds.
DRop me a line if you want more info.:t:
Steve

[bill_fordham]

Hi Ian,

I hope you can advise.

I am accompanying my wife on a trip back to her parents in Stockton-on-Tees and will use the opportunity to get out and see some of the local birds.

I have had little opportunity to see some moorland species... any advice on some hot spots within a 50 mile radius of Stockton ?

Your help will be appreciated
Bill

[Henry H]

Thanks IanF and Steviewol for your brilliant descriptions of the Low Barns NR. You both ought to work in PR you know (but Steve would have to learn to be more economical with the truth!)

[StevieEvans]

Kingfishers easy to see on main lake at present.
S

[cuddy]

I understand how some birdwatchers might view this site and perhaps you feel that it has lost something by becoming a place where the general public can get involved with birds.

Thing is guys we need these sites to be a starting point for wildlife appreciation , and we cant be too precious about what they see as we all need too start somewhere Low Barns fulfills this criteria its not all about rarities.

[StevieEvans]

S'pose thats a fair comment,

i witnessed 3 members of the public "getting involved with birds" a fortnight ago, on another D.Wildlife Trust reserve.

The couple very kindly restrained their dogs while a Short ear owl passed us at close range, 5 mins later all hell had broken loose when they let their 5(five)!! Dalmation dogs go beserk in & around one of the lakes.
This didnt so much affect us, as the Ruddy ducks & Dabchicks which both had small young at that time.

20 mins later a guy started using Coots as target practise for his air rifle!

Wildlife for all.....

[cuddy]

Dont get me started on dogwalkers Stevie, the trusts should ban them from the reserves.

As to the idiot with the gun that is a criminal offence, matter for the police to deal with.

[StevieEvans]

The Bittern is back at Low Barns NR.

The bird is visible from the well positioned North Hide, in a small area of Reedmace at the lakeside, as per last year, only there isnt as Much cover this year.
On average its approx 30m away, but is often active & can come closer.
Last year it remained well into March.

Stevie

[Gill Osborne]

Haven't had a bittern since my honeymoon in September 2001!!! Neil was just saying earlier this evening that he wants to get out birding more with me so perhaps this Sunday we may just pop down to the Reserve...sounds really good...even if the bittern doesn't show!

GILL

[pauliev69]

Thanks for the info Stevie, will be there Wed with my fingers crossed, cheers ;)

[jayhunter]

Thanks for the advice Steve, at present we are still hanging in here, although our numbers are dwindling and HR1 is still hanging over our heads. Latest thoughts are the site will be closed by June, so look forward to some good birding months during the summer. Maybe even get to visit Noplace again and the excellent pub there.

[marymary]

Directions to Low barnes NR please? I'm local but new to this birding lark.

[IanF]

Hi Mary,

Simplest way to get there is to travel along the A689 to Bishop Auckland and then either follow the A689 signs through Bishop Auckland to Crook, turning off left for the reserve at High Grange - it's signposted.

Alternatively Follow the A689 to West Auckland and then follow the A68 north on the Corbridge Road until you reach the River Wear at Witton le- Wear and turn right. Again it's singposted.

Here's a Multimap link - Low Barns (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=417000&Y=531000&width=500&height=300&client=public&gride=&gridn=&keepicon=false&coordsys=gb&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&lang=&scale=25000&left.x=6&left.y=11)

[IanF]

Called in today for a couple of hours. Overcast and gloomy but very mild around 14°C.

A bonus was the Bittern that had just flown in to below the north hide as I arrived, giving superb views for quite a while.

Other birds -

Chaffinch
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Treecreeper
Nuthatch
Goldeneye
Bittern
Great Spotted Woodpecker pair
Tawny Owl (heard)
Mallard
Coot
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Cormorant
Marsh Tit
Mute Swan

[StevieEvans]

Nice shot Ian, its feet are Huge when you see it walking about!
Ive got a day off tomorrow & am going to try for this species at another site near Durham City, where a bird has apparently been since before Christmas.
Stevie.

[Gill.Osborne]

Ian...is the Bittern still around? I've got next week off work...Sunday 29th Feb until Sunday 7th March...and Neil has promised to take me to a couple of the Durham sites...as well as Holy Island and, possibly Leighton moss as we have to take an engine over to a friend in the Lakes. Mmmm...wonder if i can flutter the old eyelashes and wangle a visit to the eagles at Haweswater...or would that be pushing it LOL
Oh well, he's always saying that he needs to relax more and lose weight!!!!

GILL

[IanF]

Hi Gill,

I haven't seen any more recent sightings of it reported, but the day I went there hadn't been any for the week before either. Once it's been around a bit then reported sightings tend to dry up. If you haven't been before then it's well worth a pop in just for a look around. recent sightings are posted in the entrance corridor of the visitors centre.

Sounds like you have a great week in store.

[Gill.Osborne]

Thanks Ian...looks like a fantastic reserve to visit even if the Bittern don't show. I'm not someone who feels like it's been a bad day if i don't see such and such rarity...I'm happy just being out in the open air watching birds!!! And Neil's favourite bird is the Moorhen so 95% of the time we go to a reserve he's happy!!! Great having a hubby who's easily pleased LOL
Looking forward to my week off...feel like I've hardly done any birding so far this year so it'll be nice to devote a week to it....mmmm, must remember to break THAT news to Neil gently!!!

Thanks again Ian...you never know, might see you there!

GILL

[DenBee]

Thanks Ian...looks like a fantastic reserve to visit even if the Bittern don't show. I'm not someone who feels like it's been a bad day if i don't see such and such rarity...I'm happy just being out in the open air watching birds!!! And Neil's favourite bird is the Moorhen so 95% of the time we go to a reserve he's happy!!! Great having a hubby who's easily pleased LOL
Looking forward to my week off...feel like I've hardly done any birding so far this year so it'll be nice to devote a week to it....mmmm, must remember to break THAT news to Neil gently!!!

Thanks again Ian...you never know, might see you there!

GILL

Hi Gill
I was over at the reserve last weekend, unfortunately no sign of the Bittern.
I noticed that in one of your replies that you may call in at the site early March, thought I would inform you that the river path round to the West Hide is closed off Monday to Friday for the creation of New Wetland areas which when complete will further extend the site, however this path way is opened up Saturdays and Sundays. Hope you enjoy your visit if you can get down.

[Gill Osborne]

:storm: Had a TERRIBLE week :-C ......went out on Sunday to St Mary's and some retarded youths *note how I'm being INCREDIBLY polite in my description of the inbred morons...don't want to be chucked off BF!!!* ...well, pushed me over as I was looking out to sea on the Promenade point just round the corner from the Lighthouse!!! :C . As the ground was rather snowed over I slipped and grabbed for the handrail to save myself...only to have my binoculars smash against the metal barrier!!! They also pushed my scope and tripod over but as the snow was rather deep it had a soft landing!
Unfortunately though my bins are f****d.....I am NOT a happy bunny!!!!! And I need them for a trip to Langholm Moor with the RSPB Group on 21st March!!! We do have a couple of other pairs of bins in the house but they aren't as good, or suited to my wearing glasses, as my Opticrons :C . Think I am just going to have to perservere with a pair of 8x30's that must be at least 100 years old (Neil has a habit of picking up old pairs at car boot sales and charity shops!)...perhaps I'll be used to them in three weeks' time... :C
SO I didn't get much, well NONE actually :C , birding done this week...really annoyed!!! DID ring up the insurance company but, get this!, the bins weren't covered????!!!!!! So Gilly is going to have to save up and buy another pair...will probably only be a matter of a fortnight or so BUT i wanna go birding NOW *stamps foot*

Anyway, tantrum over, thanks for the info on parts of Low Barns being closed...any ideas on how long it will be for? I'm sure Neil and I will get down some weekend...if not my next hols are in June!

GILL XXX

[Denis J]

Hi Gill sorry to hear about your run in with the yob element life would be so much better if people would just let you get on with your own life!
Anyway I was at Low Barnes on saturday and from the notices around the reserve the main lake is accessable from both the north and south hides its just the path down the western edge of the reserve that is closed. There are quite a few redpoll on the reserve at the moment as well as all the birds you would expect there, no sign of Lesser Spotted woodpecker though. The Bittern was there yesterday but took an awful lot of finding the reeds in front of the north hide look cut down and flattened by the wind and you would think there was no way a bittern could hide there but after a couple of hours it walked out of a small reed patch into full view! so even if you think it cant possibly be there persevere and you may be lucky. see my posts on the "hows your 2004 list " thread for a pic:@)

[IanF]

Hi Gill,

I called in there today myself.

The Bittern is still there viewed from the north hide along with plenty of Siskins in the fir trees just as you leave the car park.

The path to the west hide will be closed during the week until around Easter. The staff couldn't be any more specific as it depends on the weather. If conditions turn wet then the project will be delayed further as they can't work when it's muddy as the wagons use the main roads and the mud is a big problem.

[StevieEvans]

Called in for an hour this afternoon.
Chiffchaffs & Green Woodpeckers notable imediately on arrival.

All Six Tit species were at the feeding station.

I missed out on an excellent photo oppurtunity when both Marsh & Willow Tit were (briefly but twice) on the same feeding tray together !!!
Also on the feeders were 6Siskin, Nuthatch & GSWpkr.

Lake held 4G'eye 14Cormrant 3G'sander.

StevieEvans.

[StevieEvans]

1 Swallow & 1 Willow Warbler on 3rd April.
Stevie.

[pauliev69]

Hooded Crow today on the lake island, Grey Wagtail on the river and Treecreepers in good numbers also first years sighting of a Mistle Thrush. All in all a very good day out, even the sun came out for ten minutes! ;)

[Daz]

Just visited this reserve today, and it is thanks to this forum that I found it.
I spent an hour and a half walking around. This is what I saw.

At the feeding station.

4 Siskin
Coal Tit
Marsh Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Dunnock
Chaffinch
Nuthatch
G.S.Woodpecker.

I was absolutely delighted when the woodpecker appeared. I have never been this close to a G.S. before, an absolute delight to watch. 2 squirrels also appeared on the feeders. Round the reserve I saw,

2 Curlew
2 Mute Swans
1 Cormorant
T. Ducks
Coot
Moorhen
Greylag Goose.

I know all of these birds are not rarities, but it was an absolute pleasure just being there. I am definitely going again. Can anybody advise on how to spot the Green Woodpecker. Would early morning give me the edge? Are you allowed to walk off the path in the woods? Any advice would be appreciated.

Darrell.

[osborne]

Hi Darrell,
Learn the Green Woodpecker's loud, laughing call. It is very distinctive and far carrying although this species is easier to spot in the open rather than in the woods. More often than not the call will direct you to the bird's whereabouts. I've never been to Low Barns so I can't answer your question about the woodland paths but I would probably say that early morning may be best, like with most species, but is by no means essential.

[IanF]

We have seen it throughout the day but ony in the western end where the earthworks are on the go.

I know others have seen it in amongst the old quarry at the east end. You can still walk about a half mile down there on the paths, but landfill now blocks the full access. As Osborne says you can more often hear it than see it.

[IanF]

Just an update for regulars and not so regulars at Low Barns.

I popped over there today despite the damp weather and had a pleasant couple of hours wandering around. Plenty of birds to see despite the rain. No Green Woodpecker though it has been reported often enough.

The new hide overlooking what used to be the sludge pits is open now. Only a few Canada and Greylag Geese with the Mallard to be seen on there today. I guess it will be a couple of years before the seeded reeds take a good hold and start spreading out.

The North Hide turned out to be the most productive with six Bullfinch, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tit all feeding on the meadow grasses and flowers on the bank below the hide. Mallard, Teal, Little Grebe and Cormorant on the lake below.

A Kingfisher provided a fleeting glimpse on the island from the South Hide.

Attached are photos of the new hide and the view from it.

[Marmot]

Thanks for that Ian I was only there myself the other week and no hide had been put up then.
I agree with Daz that Low Barnes is such a lovely place to go to you feel as if you are away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday and it is such a relaxing place.

[StevieEvans]

Thanks for the update & pictures Ian.
The new hide looks very impressive..............at the moment..........i hope it remains in that condition...

Curlew Sand & Wood Sand have both already been recorded at the 'new' pools.

Q. 1.
Ian, has the new entrance/exit barrier been put in place yet ?

Q. 2
Ian, have you accidentally removed the postings prior to your last post?...... as there appears to be a rather Large (Huge) Gap between 20April & 17July.?

Steve Evans.

[IanF]

Hi Steve,

1) The barrier is already in place in place.

2) The postings are all still in place. I have been a few times over the last few months but don't update this particular thread very often - just when there is some new development at the reserve. The reserve has been discussed in several other threads more recently, usually in 'My Birding Day'.

[IanF]

Thanks for the reminder Steve, I have been meaning to have a trip up there again. I saw the pair of BN Grebe there last year.

Is it on the main pond?

[StevieEvans]

Yes, South end of main pool. If you keep back from the galvanised stock fence & stand next to the trees the bird comes in close to the south-east shore.
Hope you can get a shot of it.
SE.

[Quacker]

Any updates on LB for this year? - I've yet to get there but only spent limited time at the caravan this season (further N on the A68). Wonder if the Swallows will nest in the obs tower again?

[IanF]

Wow! Where did you dig this thead from Steve? There have been a couple of reports this year from Low Barns as I have posted them myself.

I was last there three weeks ago and the birding wasn't too good though I did manage Green Woodpecker seen and head at the eastern end towards the railway lines. Goldeneye, Little Grebe and Pochard were about the only other birds we saw on the ponds. Even the feeders were pretty inactive now that the food supply has been curtailed. I know I've mentioned it before but the reserve still loks devastated following the removal of brush and mature trees last year. I doubt I'll be visiting this year very much and will likely wait until next year when there will be some regrowth. A little disappointing as it was one of my favourite places to visit. I really don't know what got into DWT.

A couple of birding friends who I bumped into at Bishop Middleham for the Black-necked Grebes x2 were on their way to Low Barns today. No doubt I'll see them one evening this week and I'll ask how they got on and let you know.

Someone else may have been in the meantime?

[pauliev69]

Any updates on LB for this year? - I've yet to get there but only spent limited time at the caravan this season (further N on the A68). Wonder if the Swallows will nest in the obs tower again?Hi Steve, would totally agree with Ians post, I was there a couple of weeks ago and was so dissapointed. Low Barns was a favourite site for me but now it just seems devastated, what was an enjoyable full days birding has now turned into a half hour look around. Its seems that so many important habitats have been destroyed, the area where I first saw Crossbill has gone even the favoured spot for Kingfishers has dissapeared, such a shame as this was such a good reserve.

[StevieEvans]

Hi Paul
I agree entirely.
Amateur miss management is & has been rife at LB for a few years now.
(post #3, 2years ago)

One classic example of the mindset of these people:-
We watched a Water Rail there one busy & sunny Saturday afternoon, (at the time it was the first one seen for years)
We returned the following weekend to find 'its' bankside strimmed down to ground level.....
We asked the guy in charge (of the over zealous volunteers) why this work had been undertaken......
"Oh, it'll make it much easier to see the Water Rail without all those rushes & reeds....." !!! :eek!:

Yes, he was deadly serious.
A year or two later he mentioned that "we dont seem to see the Water Rails as much now..."

Also, who's brainwave idea was it to build the artificial Sand Martin bank at the base of a large mound :- below the flood height of the river....

The hides are splendid, but complete overkill for their locations.

It used to be a magical place, the people who've made the recent management decisions wont ever comprehend what they've lost.

rant over