Waldridge Fell is an excellent representation of Lowland Heath Habitat. Located approximately two miles South West of the town of Chester-le-Street, grid reference:NZ 252 498, it is the largest example of the landscape type in County Durham and is home to a wide range of rare plant and animal species. Formally industrialised, the site has been highly managed allowing the prevention of natural succession to woodland and acid grassland and maintainance of Heather species dominance.

 

The virtual tours on this site provide a detailed description of a variety of habitats characteristic of lowland heathland, exploring a range of species and providing information regarding the history of key areas, with a focus on how this has impacted and shaped the biodiversity the Fell supports.

 

Also highlighted are the current managment strategies in effect to protect the heath from successionsional processes and invasion from non-native species.

 

A visit to the About Lowland Heathland page will provide a biologial context to the choice of Waldridge as a subject for this tour and why great efforts have been made to raise public awarness of the importance of the Fell site for conservation.