Rabbitbank Wood

An interesting and varied reserve with an abundance of woodland birds; a quiet and secluded retreat

Location

Rabbitbank Wood Nature Reserve

Consett

DH8 9EJ

Know before you go

Size

7 hectares

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

Access

Terrain: Moderate
Access to the site is over a stile and the ground is wet for much of the year.

Access and Parking
The reserve entrance is 350m south of Low Farm, Knitsley down the narrow winding Knitsley Lane. The reserve lies to the west of the road where there is limited roadside parking for two cars. Access the reserve over the roadside stile and public footpath.

Public Transport
The reserve is not readily accessible by public transport. Private transportation is recommended.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to July, June to September

About the reserve

This varied site consists of oak woodland, marsh, willow carr and species rich wet pasture.

The under-storey consists of large amounts of prickly holly, some hazel and the ground flora is distinctive of acid woodland, including bluebells, foxgloves and cow-wheat.

In wetter areas meadowsweet, marsh marigold, cuckooflower and marsh valerian thrive.

There is a wide range of woodland birds and mammals and the areas of wet pasture provide good summer habitat for butterflies.

Although it is off the beaten track, Rabbitbank Wood is definitely worth a visit at any time of year.