Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve Walk

About

Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserve, Open Access Land, and is UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certified. Habitats include grassland, woodland, wetland and scrub. Horse riders and cyclists are allowed on the bridleway only.

Wingate Quarry,was quarried for Magnesian Limestone rock before becoming Durham County Council’s first Local Nature Reserve. The soil is shallow, of poor quality and has a high lime content. This affects the types of plants which grow here. The wildflowers and grasses known as Magnesian Limestone grassland can be found here.

Wingate Quarry is now a refuge for many of these rare plants, in fact, the site contains over 34 species of wildflowers including common spotted orchid, birdsfoot trefoil, quaking grass and butterwort. Butterwort is a carnivorous plant which feeds on flies.

The ponds provide homes for dragonflies and amphibians, including great crested newts.

There are two suggested circular routes marked on the map. Wingate Quarry is Open Access Land which means you can wander freely without sticking to public rights of way. This right extends to wheelchair users but not horse riders or cyclists.

Route supplied by Durham County Council’s Countryside Service.