Natural England - Cassop Vale NNR
Cassop Vale NNR
Cassop Vale NNR is the most diverse wildlife site on County Durham's magnesian limestone.
County: Durham
Main habitats: Woodland, Open Water, Lowland Grassland
Area: 32 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
View a map of this reserve 
.
The limestone originally formed in a shallow tropical sea some 250 million years ago and now outcrops in only a few places in northern England. It has weathered to form thin lime-rich soils on which unique grasslands have developed.
The grassland supports plants such as blue moor grass, rock-rose, globe-flower and bird's-eye primrose, along with several specialised insects such as northern brown argus butterfly.
Hawthorn, gorse and rose scrub thrive on the grassland margins and, in places, grades into true woodland characterised by ash and hazel. The scrub and woodland support many breeding birds including yellowhammer, whitethroat and green woodpecker.
In the valley bottom, fen and swamp vegetation surround a small pond where there are breeding snipe, moorhen and coot.
Access to the western section of the reserve is restricted to permit holders. For details, or to obtain a leaflet describing the site, email Natural England's Northumbria office, or telephone 01661 845500.
The best time to visit the site is between April and August.
Location and access
Cassop Vale is two km east of the A1(M), seven km south east of Durham, adjacent to the village of Cassop on the B6291. The reserve is crossed by a minor road that intersects the B6291 at the village of Quarrington Hill, one km to the south west.
The nearest car parking is at the reserve entrance, near Cassop post office.
The nearest train station is in Durham.
Bus services from Durham to Croxdale via Cassop Moor are provided by Classic Buses.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Cassop.
Two well-defined footpaths cross the reserve.