Former mining site could become nature reserve

A former colliery site could become a nature reserve if powers are transferred to a parish council.

The mine at Shincliffe Pit Heaps, near Durham, closed in 1886 and the site is now home to several species, including the increasingly rare Dingy Skipper butterfly.

Shincliffe Parish Council, which owns the site, wants to create a nature reserve there, but needs Durham County Council to delegate its powers.

The local authority is expected to make a decision later.

Shincliffe Pit Heaps was designated as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) in 1993, meaning the area is especially important for its wildlife.

Shincliffe Parish Council Chair Stephen Ashfield said getting the site officially recognised as a nature reserve would protect the land from development and was "important" for the local environment.

"The idea is it's a protected site so nature can develop, so the different wildlife will be left alone and develop as needed," he said.

Under current legislation, only a council can provide nature reserves on land in their area, but this power can be delegated to parish and town councils.

If approved, Shincliffe Parish Council will be responsible for all subsequent consultation, costs and management of the site.

The parish approached Durham County Council in 2025 after a project by BTEC applied science students at Darlington College.

They found the former industrial land had turned into a "biodiverse green space that boasts a rich mosaic of habitats" and a range of wildlife, including songbirds, wildflowers and butterflies.

Natural England have supported the change and the council is recommended to approve the delegation of powers.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen on BBC Sounds.