About Cuthbert’s Moor
Durham Wildlife Trust has acquired a new nature reserve called Cuthbert's Moor. Located in the heart of the Durham Dales, on the eastern edge of the North Pennines, and within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this 121-hectare upland moor is part of the Teesdale Allotments Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Its main designation is due to its rich diversity of breeding bird species. Recent visits to the site have confirmed the presence of several globally-significant bird species, including curlew, lapwing, snipe, black grouse, golden plover, and short-eared owl. Additionally, the reserve is home to adder, lizard, and various types of moss, including peat-forming Sphagnum.
Cuthbert's Managing Moors Project
Thanks to funding from ScottishPower Foundation and The Linder Foundation, the initial phase of this project will span 12 months. Its main objectives are to conduct professional ecological surveys, including a baseline vegetation survey, breeding bird survey, and invertebrate survey. These surveys are crucial for understanding the plant and animal life on the reserve and will inform restoration plans for this area, which was previously managed as a grouse moor. The project also aims to enhance community involvement by offering volunteer opportunities, implementing a citizen science program, and collaborating with local schools. The primary focus is to share knowledge about the site with local communities and raise awareness about the vital ecosystem services provided by uplands.
We will be holding an event on Cuthbert’s Moor on Saturday, 22nd July 2023, to celebrate World Bog Day on Sunday 23rd July. You can find out more information about this event by contacting Rebecca Clark, Cuthbert’s Managing Moors Officer: rclark@durhamwt.co.uk.
As a charity, Durham Wildlife Trust is reliant on the support of its members. Contributions from membership enable them to manage 50 nature reserves, run conservation projects, deliver environmental education activities and provide thousands of volunteering opportunities each year, safeguarding our wildlife for future generations. Find out more about becoming a member: durhamwt.com/join.
