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Answers to your most common questions

Planning enquiries

Members of Durham Wildlife Trust can get in touch with us for support and advice regarding local planning applications. 

If you would like our advice, please email mail@durhamwt.co.uk with the Planning Application reference number, which allows us to understand where the application is, what it is, and (if any) what impacts it might have, following which we can respond accordingly.

Wildlife advice

Found a sick or injured bird? Noticed a little hedgehog out during daylight hours? Looking for tips to help wildlife in hot weather? Check out our wildlife advice pages for some helpful information.

Help identifying wildlife

Learn how to ID the wildlife on your doorstep here.

Wildlife crime

Follow our guide below on what to do if you have witnessed a wildlife crime.

Activities that should be reported:

  • Poaching/hunting/baiting/wildlife coursing
  • Nest destruction/interference
  • Badger sett destruction/interference
  • Off road motorcycling/quad biking
  • Fly tipping
  • Illegal angling

What to do:

If you think a crime is happening or has happened:

  • Report it to the Police
    • You can report a crime online or using the non-emergency number 101.
    • If the crime is happening or someone is in danger, you should call 999.
  • You can find your location using what3words on your smart phone
  • Notify Durham Wildlife Trust using this form and let us know the crime/incident reference number.
  • If you have information relating to the perpetrators of wildlife crime, you can report this anonymously to Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Don’t disturb the scene
  • Don’t touch or remove dead animals or birds (in the case of some protected species, if you take possession of the dead animal you could be committing an offence)
  • Record as many details as you can; date, time, location, details of anyone involved
  • If possible, take photos or video of the scene
  • Write down any registration numbers of any vehicles involved
  • Don’t put yourself at risk and don’t approach anyone

For more information on wildlife crime, click here.

How to use a radar key

Follow the guidance in the video below when using a radar key for accessibility at the kissing gates on Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve,