Hannah´s Nature Reserve

It was the last excursion after a long eventful day but it was really worth it. As you can see from the map it is not far from the cottage and Goldsborough Fell (marked on the map and visible in the distance on some photos) is very close. The short walk from the car park is part of the "Pennine Way" . This upland hay meadow and a grazing pasture are set within the traditional farming landscape of Baldersdale. The Reserve has evolved as a result of farming practices over several centuries. Once owned and farmed by Hannah Hauxwell, who lived alone at Low Birk Hatt Farm without the luxury of electricity and running water, the land was managed for hay and pasture and maintains the rich variety of wildlife that has been lost from many other Teesdale meadows. On her retirement in 1988, Durham Wildlife Trust continued the traditional management and created the reserve as it is today.

Now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the meadows are considered to be some of the least improved and most species rich in upland Durham. It is an ideal place for bird watching with the well equipped Hide at the shore of the reservoir. A place to come back to with a zoom lens on one of my next holidays in Teesdale.