Durham Wildlife Trust

Durham Wildlife Trust protects and creates wildlife habitats to be enjoyed by local people. Hedleyhope Fell is the largest remaining mid-altitude heathland in County Durham and is a rare habitat. The site is home to the largest resident population of green hairstreak butterflies in the County.
The Fell is used by the local communities and a number of farmers who exercise their grazing rights. Funding is sought to improve the most heavily used parts of the existing footpath network, to ensure that footpath degradation does not lead to people walking across parts of the Fell that are important for biodiversity. Interpretation boards that highlight the importance of the Fell as a unique habitat to raise awareness of the species that are dependent on the Fell and advise people on the steps they can take during their use to protect its wildlife. A hard standing area, where a small number of visitors’ cars can be parked safely away from the road.