Waldridge Fell, Protected area in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, England.
Waldridge Fell is a protected area near Chester-le-Street in County Durham composed of woodlands, wetland areas, and lowland heath. The site features marked walking trails and designated picnic spots throughout its expanse.
The site received its protected status in 1965 as an area of special scientific interest. Boundary adjustments came in 1985 to strengthen protection of key zones.
Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies graze across the land as part of management practices, keeping grasslands and wildflowers in balance. You will encounter these animals during walks, as they are part of how the site maintains its open character.
Several parking areas provide easy access to the site, and the walking paths accommodate both pedestrians and wheelchair users. Visitors should wear weather-appropriate clothing since conditions on open ground can change quickly.
Wanister Bog is the only valley mire in lowland Durham, home to rare plants such as Marsh Marigold, Bogbean, and moorland grasses found nowhere else nearby. This specialized wetland owes its existence to the specific geology of the area.
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