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Crowtrees Heritage Trails
Location: Durham
This project will develop a heritage trail around the newly designated Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve. Part of the site is situated within Quarrington Grasslands SSSI, and the reserve is home to a number of rare species, such as the Durham Argus butterfly.
The project will establish a trail around the site and raise awareness of the natural heritage of the reserve, and its links to the village of Quarrington Hill and surrounding area. Much of the local landscape has been shaped by the former mining industry, with many pit ponds being reinstated that are home to newts and sticklebacks.
Interpretation panels that describe the natural heritage of the reserve will be installed at different points, and a set of trail leaflets will also be produced. The project itself will also have considerable support from the local community, including children from the local school. Volunteers will take photographs of the flora and fauna found at the site, for inclusion in the leaflets. Workshops will also be held that will provide training in building bird boxes, and volunteers will be involved in site clearance, access works, erection of bird boxes and installing seating and waymarkers around the site.
A small herd of Highland cattle are currently enjoying part of the site, acting as green lawnmowers and removing the thickest undergrowth from the newly created wetland area. Recently some of the cattle have produced calves, providing an added attraction for visitors to the nature reserve. There is also a small flock of black Hebridean sheep grazing on the limestone grassland.
The area has been specially fenced by wildlife volunteers to allow both cattle and sheep to roam the green areas in safety.
Seats have been installed at various locations around the reserve, and stiles, some with dog access, have been included.
Group Name |
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Quarrington Hill Community Association |
| Project Contact |
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Clive Lawson |
| Project Postcode |
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DH6 4QF |
| Finishing Date |
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31 July 06 |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £14850
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