Nature watching
The North Pennines has wonderful wonderful wildlife owing to the variety of interwoven habitats that are found here. These habitats include moorland, upland hay meadows, woodland rivers and reservoirs.
There are many great sites in the North Pennines from which to see our important flora and fauna. The North Pennines is home to 40% of the UK’s species rich upland hay meadows. Some of the beautiful wildflowers found in these meadows include wood cranes-bill, globeflower, marsh hawks-beard and melancholy thistle. Our Hay Time meadow walks are a great way to see them.
There are a number of woodland walks in the AONB such as Derwent Gorge and the National Trust's Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, which allow you to see many of their characteristic species of plants and wildlife.
Several of the North Pennines Bird Walks take you to places to see moorland bird species and habitats like blanket bog and heather moorland, which turns a glorious shade of purple in August. The Pennine Way National Trail in Teesdale and the Weardale Way both closely follow the courses of the River Tees and Wear. There are also wildlife hides at Derwent Reservoir and the RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve.
Allen Banks & Staward Gorge: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 3
![Pied flycatcher © NPAP Pied flycatcher © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp004_0.jpg?itok=oYZTOkcP)
Allendale: Hay Time Walk 1
![Great burnet © NPAP/Rebecca Barrett Great burnet © NPAP/Rebecca Barrett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp044.jpg?itok=2eecV8J9)
Allenheads Geotrail
![Above Allenheads © NPAP Above Allenheads © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp020_0.jpg?itok=-pfccDSh)
Ark on the Edge - Animal Rescue Centre, Teesdale
![Ark on the Edge © Ark on the Edge Ark on the Edge © Ark on the Edge](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp116.jpg?itok=k5p5fc5k)
Ashes Quarry Geotrail
![Ashes Quarry above Stanhope in Weardale © NPAP/Neil Diment Ashes Quarry above Stanhope in Weardale © NPAP/Neil Diment](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp019.jpg?itok=ZDaKILBI)
Baldersdale: Hay Time Walk 3
![Species rich meadow © NPAP/Rebecca Barrett Species rich meadow © NPAP/Rebecca Barrett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp046.jpg?itok=iSNPhwWi)
Baybridge Picnic Area
Blackton Reservoir: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 14
![Oystercatcher © NPAP Oystercatcher © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp015_0.jpg?itok=BI5KQ66e)
Blanchland
![Blanchland © NPAP/Shane Harris Blanchland © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp130.jpg?itok=7xxbbng6)
Blanchland Geotrail
![Blanchland © NPAP/Shane Harris Blanchland © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp021.jpg?itok=aLE7vyGV)
Blanchland: Along the river bank (A trail of three tails!)
![Blanchland in bloom © NPAP/Shane Harris Blanchland in bloom © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp056_0.jpg?itok=BwswrLzT)
Blanchland: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 5
![Dipper © NPAP Dipper © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp006_0.jpg?itok=waqf8w5u)
Bowlees Visitor Centre
![Bowlees Visitor Centre © NPAP Bowlees Visitor Centre © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_19.jpg?itok=Z9HzuFBE)
Burnhope Head: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 7
![Merlin © NPAP Merlin © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp008_0.jpg?itok=XXWTWfzF)
Cow Green Geological Trail
![Cauldron Snout on the River Tees © Natural England/Charlie Hedley Cauldron Snout on the River Tees © Natural England/Charlie Hedley](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp051_0.jpg?itok=G9tP71fF)
Cowshill (Weardale): North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 8
![Short-eared owl © NPAP Short-eared owl © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp009_0.jpg?itok=95tPUu0B)
Derwent Gorge: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 6
![Redstart © NPAP Redstart © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp007_0.jpg?itok=O3Be9fbn)
Derwent Reservoir - Walks, rides and wildlife
![Derwent Reservoir © NPAP/Shane Harris Derwent Reservoir © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_22.jpg?itok=ByF0vKIV)
Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park
![Couple walking at Pow Hill Country Park © NPAP Couple walking at Pow Hill Country Park © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp057_0.jpg?itok=mPPyL5s8)
Derwent Reservoir: North Pennine Birdwalks - Site 1
![Black headed gull © NPAP Black headed gull © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp016_0.jpg?itok=px8Gtxux)
Dufton Pike: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 11
![Wheatear © NPAP Wheatear © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp012_0.jpg?itok=p4o8vgsS)
East Allen Valley Wildflower Walk
![Allenheads © © NPAP & Elizabeth Pickett Allenheads © © NPAP & Elizabeth Pickett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_0.jpg?itok=hTwX5Wt8)
Eden Outdoor Adventures
![Gyhll scrambling © Eden Outdoor Adventures Gyhll scrambling © Eden Outdoor Adventures](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp136_0.jpg?itok=W-LRsp8o)
Egglesburn Wood
![Dipper © www.northeastwildlife.co.uk Dipper © www.northeastwildlife.co.uk](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_20.jpg?itok=p65YJQi5)
Garrigill: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 10
![Common sandpiper © NPAP Common sandpiper © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp011_1.jpg?itok=ZQmYTICm)
Hamsterley Forest
![Hamsterley Forest © NPAP/Louise Taylor Hamsterley Forest © NPAP/Louise Taylor](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_23.jpg?itok=lv-4Mgf-)
Hannah's Meadow Nature Reserve
![Hannah's Meadow © NPAP/Shane Harris Hannah's Meadow © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp119.jpg?itok=Vi30x48c)
Harwood Beck and Widdybank: North Pennine Birdwalks - Site 3
![Redshank © NPAP Redshank © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp018_0.jpg?itok=Z4bHEXJa)
Hayberries Nature Reserve
![Sand martins © www.northeastwildlife.co.uk Sand martins © www.northeastwildlife.co.uk](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_21.jpg?itok=eyOq8F1O)
High Force and Bowlees Geotrail
![High Force © High Force ©](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/test001.jpg?itok=xpFI-9VP)
Howden Burn (Weardale): North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 13
![Lapwing © NPAP Lapwing © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp014_0.jpg?itok=KCb_zlsP)
Ireshopeburn (Weardale): Hay Time Walk 2
![Path to the hay meadows in Ireshopeburn © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy Path to the hay meadows in Ireshopeburn © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp045.jpg?itok=AmkldBH5)
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
![Washing Floor at Killhope © Killhope Museum Washing Floor at Killhope © Killhope Museum](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_24.jpg?itok=LWcNihY0)
Knock Geological Trail
![Great Dun Fell © NPAP/Shane Harris Great Dun Fell © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp048_0.jpg?itok=O7lss1Gr)
Lambley and the South Tyne: North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 1
![Curlew © NPAP Curlew © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp003_0.jpg?itok=7dxyoqjw)
Low Barns Nature Reserve
![Red Kite © www.brianraffertywildlifephotographer/blogspot.com Red Kite © www.brianraffertywildlifephotographer/blogspot.com](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp120.jpg?itok=dWH3XUfC)
Low Force Geotrail
![Low Force in Teesdale © NPAP/Simon Wilson Low Force in Teesdale © NPAP/Simon Wilson](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp001.jpg?itok=pCdl_FXs)
Newbiggin and the Carriers’ Way
![Walkers on the heather moors © NPAP/Shane Harris Walkers on the heather moors © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp054.jpg?itok=oyqwjqj-)
North Pennine Birdwalks Site 2: Ouston Fell
![Swallow © NPAP Swallow © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp017_0.jpg?itok=Cq2q_uCt)
Over the hill to Cowbyre Farm
![Derwent Reservoir from above Blanchland © NPAP Derwent Reservoir from above Blanchland © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp055.jpg?itok=Ewo9LB_O)
RSPB Geltsdale Walking Trails
![Stagsike Cottage at RSPB Geltsdale © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy Stagsike Cottage at RSPB Geltsdale © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp104.jpg?itok=8nBIeZZn)
Slitt Wood and West Rigg Geotrail
![Slitt Wood waterfall © NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett Slitt Wood waterfall © NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp022.jpg?itok=wP5ldXI9)
Spring Gentian
![Spring gentian © NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett Spring gentian © NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp047.jpg?itok=9CXGhJxq)
Take a walk in the woods…
![Walker at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge © NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett Walker at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge © NPAP/Elizabeth Pickett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp053_0.jpg?itok=Zx9mMNIq)
Tees Bank Flowers: Flowers and Ferns Holwick Head Bridge to High Force
Tees Bank Flowers: Flowers and Ferns Wynch Bridge to Scorberry Bridge
Tees Bank Flowers: Flowers between Wynch Bridge and Holwick Head Bridge
Teesdale Reservoir Walk
![Hury Reservoir © NPAP/Beck Baker Hury Reservoir © NPAP/Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp103.jpg?itok=ZdIh0Eic)
The Chimneys and Dryburn Moor (Allen Valleys): North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 4
![Golden plover © NPAP Golden plover © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp005.jpg?itok=LAVl2N1l)
The Harehope Quarry Project
![A view of Harehope Quarry © Tom Mercer A view of Harehope Quarry © Tom Mercer](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp110.jpg?itok=20Ha76xn)
The National Trust - Allen Banks and Staward Gorge woodland walk
![Bluebells at Allen Banks © NPAP/Shane Harris Bluebells at Allen Banks © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp071_0.jpg?itok=czxoVU0w)
Tindale Tarn: North Pennine Birdwalks Walk 2
![Wigeon © NPAP Wigeon © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp002_0.jpg?itok=FxVIlCAi)
Tunstall Reservoir Walk
![Backstone Bank wood beside Tunstall Reservoir © NPAP/Ruth Starr-Keddle Backstone Bank wood beside Tunstall Reservoir © NPAP/Ruth Starr-Keddle](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp102.jpg?itok=KjB2b401)
Tyne Train Trails - Riding Mill to Corbridge
Up on the ridge: Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR
![Knock Pike and the Eden Valley © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy Knock Pike and the Eden Valley © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp078.jpg?itok=hD6rLsTR)
Upper Teesdale (Hanging Shaw): North Pennine Birdwalks Walk 12
![Black grouse © NPAP Black grouse © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp013_0.jpg?itok=CpHK4uO-)
Upper Teesdale Wildflower Walk
![Upper Teesdale walk © The North Pennines AONB Partnership Upper Teesdale walk © The North Pennines AONB Partnership](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_3.jpg?itok=55rOrfIh)
Walks from Allendale Caravan Park
![River East Allen © NPAP/Shane Harris River East Allen © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp058.jpg?itok=vYYf0rAs)
Waterfalls and wildlife walk: Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR
![High Force © DCC/Mike Ogden High Force © DCC/Mike Ogden](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp077.jpg?itok=KCbxAI_v)
Wellhope Moor (Nent Valley): North Pennine Birdwalks - Walk 9
![Grey partridge © NPAP Grey partridge © NPAP](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp010_0.jpg?itok=WnggNTDn)
Whitesyke and Bentyfield Mine
![Whitsyke and Bentyfield mine © NPAP/Beck Baker Whitsyke and Bentyfield mine © NPAP/Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp101.jpg?itok=DneOXfpC)
Widdybank Fell Nature Trail: Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR
![Cow Green Reservoir © NPAP/Beck Baker Cow Green Reservoir © NPAP/Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp076.jpg?itok=8uVkjaco)
Wild North Discovery
![Wild North Discovery © Wild North Discovery Wild North Discovery © Wild North Discovery](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_10.jpg?itok=gro1K41Y)