5 Villages Project
- Bowburn
- Cassop
- Coxhoe
- Kelloe
- Quarrington Hill
The funding for this project has now finished but the area still benefits from the work which was carried out.
For over a century the landscape and wildlife in this area suffered from quarrying, mining, waste disposal and agricultural use. Many of the lime spoil heaps have been removed and turned into woodland and farmland. The 5 Villages Project and subsequent Wildspace! and Magical Meadows Projects have helped to encourage wildlife back into the area.
Some of the rare and distinct plants and animals that belong to the magnesian limestone escarpment received special attention, such as the Northern Brown Argus butterfly and ash woodland.
What has the Project Achieved?
The project was launched in 1999 and funding ended in March 2002. There were additional projects in the area as part of the Wildspace! and Magical Meadows Project*.- Four local Nature Reserves have been declared: Coxhoe Quarry Wood, Little Wood near Quarrington Hill, Crow Trees (Quarrington Hill) and Raisby Way and Trimdon Grange Quarry. These are important sites which are now protected in order to guarantee our natural heritage for the future. There are now five Local Nature Reserves in the Five Villages area.
- Several kilometres of hedgerows have been put back into the landscape on the former East Hetton Colliery site. This will encourage birds back into the area such as barn owl, grey partridge and song thrush.
- The site of the former Crow Trees colliery near Quarrington Hill has recently been acquired by Durham County Council**. Crow Trees (the site name) consists of 14 hectares of Magnesian Limestone grassland, scrub and wetland areas. This has recently been designated as a local nature reserve.
- Thirty hectares of woodland has been planted with paths throughout the site. This has been called King's Wood after a local man.
- Many paths have been upgraded to increase the access between the villages.
- Guided walks that show the historical and natural features of the area have been well attended.
Why is this so important?
The landscape here supports a number of important habitats and species:Magnesian Limestone Grassland
Magnesian Limestone grassland is one of the UK's rarest habitats - a significant proportion of which occurs in the county and Five Villages area. It is home to a rich and distinctive group of plants and insects, including dark red helleborine, basil thyme and Northern Brown Argus butterfly. It has suffered a drastic decline over the last 50 years, mainly due to the increase in intensity of agricultural use. Managing and re-creating this type of habitat was one of the key projects of the Five Villages Project.Ash Woodland
Ash Woodland is another important habitat the project promoted. It has declined by almost 40% over the last 50 years in this area. Carpets of wood anemone, cowslips and violets can be seen in the spring time. It is home to a wide range of animals and birds such as bats and tawny owl.You can still make a difference by:
- Having a go at practical conservation work.
- Keeping an eye on the wildlife in your area.
- Looking after local footpaths and bridleways.
Find Out More
If you would like to become involved or find out more about the Five Villages Project, then please contact :Countryside Group
Environment
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3834087
*This work is being developed through a partnership involving Durham County Council, Durham City Council, Coxhoe Parish, Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish, Kelloe Parish, English Nature, Durham Wildlife Trust and Durham County Waste Management Company.
**Funded by County Durham Environmental Trust using landfill tax credit funding.
