Countryside
These landscapes are in the main, a result of the history of land management in the County. Indeed the countryside of the County today is a working one, with landowners contributing to the conservation of this wonderful natural heritage.
The county has a rich wildlife with significant populations of several regionally, nationally and internationally important species. There are a number of sites across the County, which provide excellent access to wildlife. The County Council manages many of these sites.
The County has a network of approximately 3474 kilometres (2158 miles) of Public Rights of Way giving excellent access for people to explore and discover the countryside. In addition, there are over 100 kilometres of railway paths, giving greater access to the countryside for people of all abilities. The contribution that this access makes to health, sustainable transport and local economies cannot be over stated.
Use these Web pages to help you discover the excellent facilities on offer in County Durham and learn more about what services are provided. Make sure you look at our countryside sites and Guided Walks information, and don’t forget to check the News and Events calender.
Who we are, what we do
The Countryside Group at Durham County Council are the service responsible for those elements of the County Councils work that involves protecting and managing the countryside including the provision of access. The group is split into two main sections:- Sites, Rangers and Ecology
- Access and Rights of Way.
In addition, the County Council hosts the North Pennines Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty Partnership, the Durham Heritage Coast Partnership and part of the Great North Forest Partnership.
We work closely with partner organisations and authorities to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to looking after the Durham countryside for the benefit of all.
