Durham Countryside Service and Volunteers

27/02/2026

Please support our project at Hardwick Park.

We need to know what you think about the development of the park's Fen Carr and Boardwalk. You have until Monday 16 March to comment.

By taking part in the consultation you will be helping us understand what people would like to see for the area, as well as supporting our funding applications. Thank you. 💚

If you've been to Hardwick Park lately, you might know that access to the path around the fen carr area is currently closed.

We are preparing a funding application to improve the habitat of the area, suggested improvements are:
🔹The removal of invasive species
🔹Raising the water levels
🔹Creating ponds and opening watercourses to control water flow and quality.

We'd love to hear your views: 👇

📆Deadline for feedback: Monday 16 March
💻 https://letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projects/fen-carr-project-at-hardwick-park

25/02/2026

Events coming up this Spring across County Durham's beautiful countryside. Please book via events.durham.gov.uk Come along and find out about nature on your doorstep. These events are free of charge and led by our friendly Community and Ranger teams. All welcome, children need to be supervised by an adult.

Want to do something like this in your local countryside site with your school or community group? Send us a message and we can support arranging this.

24/02/2026

Dates for your diary. We would love you to book a spot on one or all of these fun wildlife spotting sessions across 3 different sites. We will bring anything needed to identify and record what we find. See you there!

12/02/2026

You are invited to save a spot and join us on a Wild Waldridge guided nature walk.

Free but booking essential.

Please note this is a walk with uneven terrain please send us a direct message or email us at countryside@durham.gov.uk to discuss.

Booking is here or follow the QR code in the poster: https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/Details/3092?eventDate=27-05-2026+00%3A00&fbclid=IwY2xjawP5ShVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJTWxRalpXd1dROU5nZVRFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkWrVNZQbdeArKt7VMCHx2zdXpFbrV1rOxXXc8Zq9iPVRaVSUW_vnHJwb20a_aem_0EV4W0xNMhkXwNUEc1VqAw

11/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who has already completed our consultation on improvements to the Fen Carr area of the park.

If you have not yet had the chance to complete the short survey please let us know what you think by visiting:
https://letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projects/fen-carr-project-at-hardwick-park

Image credit: Ben Lyons

11/02/2026

"No rain, no flowers", as the saying goes. Perhaps this wet weather means an abundance of wildflowers later in the year? Come and learn about them, improve your identification skills and hear tales of how they were used in days gone by on our Wildflowers and Folklore Walks this May. Free but booking required.

Wingate Quarry booking link:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/Details/3090?eventDate=14-05-2026%2000%3A00

Shotton Colliery booking link: https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/Details/3091?eventDate=19-05-2026%2000%3A00

10/02/2026

As we happily move closer to Spring we are preparing to enjoy some coastal scenery at beautiful Blackhall Rocks to listen for the morning Skylarks. All welcome whatever level of experience from beginner to expert. Please email to reserve a spot and confirm meeting point.

05/02/2026

Support birds on our Local Nature Reserves.

Whether you are a bird expert or a beginner who wants to learn we would love your help with some upcoming winter and spring surveys at Tanfield Lea Marsh and Pity Me Carrs Local Nature Reserves.

Recording birds is really important for conservation and a great opportunity to get outdoors with like-minded wildlife lovers.

Just let us know if you can come by direct message here or email countryside@durham.gov.uk

04/02/2026

This Winter we have seen our volunteers developing their hedge laying skills. Back in December some of our volunteers undertook training with experienced hedge layer Jasper Prachek. Hedge laying sessions continued throughout January and we have now wrapped up the last of our laying for the year at Crow Trees Nature Reserve. A huge thank you to Jasper for his skill and expertise as well as our volunteers who are keeping this heritage skill alive. Hedge laying has many benefits for wildlife, including providing shelter, nesting sites and food resources.

02/02/2026

If you've been to Hardwick Park lately, you might know that access to the path around the fen carr area is currently closed.

We are preparing a funding application to improve the habitat of the area, suggested improvements are:
🔹The removal of invasive species
🔹Raising the water levels
🔹Creating ponds and opening watercourses to control water flow and quality.

We'd love to hear your views: 👇

📆Deadline for feedback: Monday 16 March
💻 https://letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projects/fen-carr-project-at-hardwick-park

02/02/2026

Waldridge Fell Volunteering Session

We’re hosting volunteering sessions 10am – 12pm on Monday 9th February and Monday 16th February at Ellen Street Car Park, Waldridge Fell. If you fancy looking after your local area whilst getting some fresh air and exercise why not join our lovely group? Activities include gorse removal and litter picking. All gloves and equipment will be provided. Please email countryside@durham.gov.uk if you are interested in this opportunity.