Castle Eden Dene

Castle Eden Dene is a dene in County Durham, south of Peterlee and north of Castle Eden, covering an area of around 1,200 sq. acres in size. It is a National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England (formerly English Nature) which cuts through the magnesian limestone of East Durham from Wingate down to the North Sea ("German Ocean") coastline between Horden and Blackhall. It is rich in flora and fauna including the rare Durham Argus butterfly, and stands of ancient Yew trees.

It is the largest area of natural woodland in North East (Northumbria) England. It occupies a deep, steep-sided ravine formed in the Magnesian Limestone and boulder clay of this area of County Durham. The dene vegetation is a survivor of the wild wood which once covered most of Britain. Even today it remains relatively undisturbed by humans due to the difficult terrain of the steep sided ravines.

Over 450 species of plants have been recorded in the wood, many of which are typical of ancient woodlands that date back to pre - medieval times. In early spring, the woodland floor is scattered with the yellow flowers of the primrose and lesser celandine and the white flowers of wood anemone. An aroma of garlic may also be in the air which is given off by ramsons. This plant is the wild cousin of garlic used in everyday cooking. In late spring the yellow and white flowers give way to one of our great wild flower spectacles - thick carpets of bluebells. The dene can be accessed by the A19 from the west end and the A1086 from the east end and there are several entrances to the dene in Petelee from the north with Castle Eden and Heselden from the south.

Acessing the dene after heavy rain storms is not recommended due to some paths being unaccessable due to unsteady slippery surfaces and landslides in some areas, the tunnel under the A1086 can become blocked with logs and restrict access after heavy rain storms. Natural England are always investing money into the dene by improving access to the dene by strengthening the paths and creating better drainage around the paths.

Natural England has more information about the dene on the signs at all the main entrances into the dene and at the Dene Lodge in Peterlee.