Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, Natural England

11/06/2026

20/04/2026

UPDATE: HATFIELD BRIDGE IS RE-OPENED

PUBLIC NOTICE: Hatfield Twin Bridges

Please note that as of today, the main bridge over the burn will be closed for maintenance work.

We will advise as soon as it's re-opened.

For your own safety please do not cross the main bridge and plan your walk accordingly.

Thank you,
Castle Eden Dene NNR Team 🌲🦉🐦‍⬛🦇🦋🦌

09/04/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT - Gunners Pool Bridge

We're pleased to share that the bridge is open again.

Thanks for your patience whilst we undertook survey work and repairs.

Enjoy your walks in Castle Eden Dene NNR! 🌲🐿️🍄‍🟫🦉🦋

The Castle Eden Dene NNR Team.

10/11/2025

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Please note that Gunners Pool Bridge is temporarily closed due to inspection and maintenance works.

For your own safety please follow the signs in place and plan your walk accordingly.

Thank you,

Castle Eden Dene NNR Team

02/06/2025

It’s National Volunteers’ Week!🎉

So lets kick start this week off with A BIG THANK YOU to the fantastic teamfrom Northumbria Water who joined us at the Dene for a fun day of Balsam Bashing 🌱🌸

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant species originating in the Himalayas!

In the Dene Himalayan Balsam removal is crucial because it's an invasive plant that outcompetes native species, disrupts habitats, and negatively impacts biodiversity. 🌎🦋🌱

Its rapid growth and high seed production allow it to quickly dominate riverbanks and other areas, displacing native flora and reducing food sources for insects and other animals. Removal is needed to restore ecological balance, protect important habitats, and prevent further spread. 🐝🪻🌼

If you are interested in joining our team of regular volunteers at Castle Eden Dene or across any of our sites, or would like to book your own corporate volunteering session/ team building day email [email protected] or CALL US ON 0191 586 0004 find out more!

09/05/2025

National Walking Month takes place every May, providing the perfect opportunity to step into the great outdoors and embrace the joys of walking. Unlike some awareness days, this event remains fixed in the calendar, giving you ample time to plan your walking adventures each year.
Walking isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s a chance to connect with nature, improve your health, and enjoy some much-needed time away from screens. Whether you’re strolling through the countryside, pounding the pavement in the city, or hiking up a hill, every step counts towards a healthier, happier you.
Here at natural England, we are celebrating Walking Month by hosting two new Free Walking events at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve.
Monday 12th May. 10.15am – 11.30am. Strolls with Poles. Feel Good in the Dene Nordic Walk. Book at Tinyurl.com/NaturalEnglandNordic-120525
Contact [email protected]. Tel 07385116455 if unable to access Eventbrite.
Tuesday 13th May 10am – 12 noon. Mindful Stroll and Nature Crafting. Enjoy a mindful stroll around the quiet garden followed by a creative craft session. All materials are provided. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320845367049... Contact [email protected]. Tel 07385116455 if unable to access Eventbrite.

07/05/2025

National Walking Month takes place every May, providing the perfect opportunity to step into the great outdoors and embrace the joys of walking. Unlike some awareness days, this event remains fixed in the calendar, giving you ample time to plan your walking adventures each year.

Walking isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s a chance to connect with nature, improve your health, and enjoy some much-needed time away from screens. Whether you’re strolling through the countryside, pounding the pavement in the city, or hiking up a hill, every step counts towards a healthier, happier you.

Here at natural England, we are celebrating Walking Month by hosting two new Free Walking events at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve.

Monday 12th May. 10.15am – 11.30am. Strolls with Poles. Feel Good in the Dene Nordic Walk. Book at Tinyurl.com/NaturalEnglandNordic-120525
Contact [email protected]. Tel 07385116455 if unable to access Eventbrite.

Tuesday 13th May 10am – 12 noon. Mindful Stroll and Nature Crafting. Enjoy a mindful stroll around the quiet garden followed by a creative craft session. All materials are provided. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320845367049?aff=oddtdtcreator Contact [email protected]. Tel 07385116455 if unable to access Eventbrite.

But that's not all...

We also have our regular walks which run each week. No Booking Required.

Wednesdays at 10am: Join our Boots, Brews and Banter walking group in partnership with Spare 10 for Ben! Meet outside the café for a 10am start and head out into the dene. Enjoy the proven mental health benefits of walking in nature with the option of purchasing a drink/sandwich in Oakerside Tea rooms afterwards.

Thursdays at 10:30 am: Join our fabulous Walk Durham Volunteers for their weekly walk through the beauty of Castle Eden Dene. With routes to suite most fitness levels this is a great way to get yourself out in nature with some great people.

02/05/2025

May is National Walking month and to celebrate we going for a Nordic Walk at Castle Eden Dene NNR

Monday 12th May

So whether you are a seasoned walker or looking to try something new come along to Castle Eden Dene for a fun walk surrounded by Nature.

Book Via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nordic-walking-event-tickets-1343888168689?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*1ii73k0*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjAyNjkyNzc1Mi4xNzQ2MTk0MDQy*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTc0NjE5NDA0Mi4xLjAuMTc0NjE5NDA0Mi4wLjAuMA

Call: 07385116455
or Email: [email protected]

Another taster session - this time at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, Natural England

24/04/2025

Team Days at Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve! 🌳👫🦡
Are you a part of a group or team?

Are you looking to book a corporate volunteer day?

Why not spend a day volunteering at your local National Nature Reserve?

Whether you want to get out of the office or are looking for something different to do with your team why not spend a day experiencing the joys of nature!

Take part in meaningful conservation works to protect and enhance nature in your local community.

To register your interest or find out more email: [email protected]