Ragpath Heath - a new Nature Reserve for Durham Wildlife Trust

The Trust have received a legacy in the form of gift of a parcel of land in Derwentside District from the estate of the late Mr.J.Gibson.

The new reserve comprises approx. 3.5 ha of lowland dry/wet heath and woodland and is located approximately 3 miles to the south-west of Lanchester.

This is a County Wildlife Site with a species rich mosaic of heath, marsh/fen and wet woodland. It has been unmanaged for many years and is under threat from succession to scrub/woodland.

It is also of importance due to its geographical location in the Browney Valley and may provide an important linking habitat between existing reserves at Longburn Ford Quarry and Hedleyhope Fell and the neighbouring Black Plantation (Woodland Trust) all of which are important sites for the conservation of the Small Pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly which is the County's rarest butterfly.

The site also contains historical records for juniper (a priority DBAP habitat) and petty whin, which is rare in the county.

The site comprises the Ragpathside Common, which is unusual in that no common rights exist on the common. There are no public rights of way or permissive access routes and the site has no liabilities in terms of derelict buildings or history of misuse.

Future management of the site will focus on controlling invasive scrub and the introduction of grazing which will restore the heath, marsh and fen habitats resulting in benefits to both flora and fauna.