Chopwell Meadows

UK Wildlife Trusts

Chopwell Meadows is a developing grassland reserve located on the site of the former Chopwell Colliery, adjacent to Durham Wildlife Trust’s Milkwellburn Wood Nature Reserve. Managed by Durham Wildlife Trust since June 2014, the area is designed to enhance habitats for wildlife, providing nectar sources for insects and breeding grounds for ground-nesting birds like skylark. A grazing regime is in place to improve the quality of the meadows over time. Visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species throughout the year, with notable sightings including woodpigeons and goldfinches peaking in August and September, respectively. February is a good time to spot house sparrows and robins, while skylarks can be observed in June. The best times for wildlife activity generally occur around 01:00, making early morning visits particularly rewarding for birdwatchers.

Managed by

UK Wildlife Trusts

Location

NE17 7LF