The Howls

The Howls

The Howls is a woodland nature reserve situated near the village of Dalton Piercy and following the valley of Char Beck, now owned by Anglian Water (previously Hartlepool Water), and managed by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust since 1999.

Ash and sycamore dominate the canopy, with hawthorn and elder making up the understory.

Each year the woodland provides a colourful display of spring flowers including early purple orchids, violets, bugle and scarlet pimpernel, for example. Also, the locally uncommon twayblade grows here.

Char Beck gives the reserve an added dimension and plants that like the damper conditions and soils thrive. Because of this, marsh marigolds, meadowsweet and a variety of ferns, including broad buckler, hard shield and male fern, grow well.

Fifty-three bird species have been recorded on the site and the summer is a good time to see warblers and the occasional spotted flycatcher. In spring birdsong resounds through the reserve.

At one time this deep wooded valley was going to be flooded to serve as a reservoir for local communities, but fortunately plans were changed and its ancient woodland and wildlife have survived.

Pedestrian access is from a path just north-west of the bridge over the stream in Dalton Piercy, on the road to Hartlepool. Please note there is neither vehicle access nor car parking at the reserve.

Access through the reserve is via a network of unsurfaced footpaths, which are uneven and occasionally muddy. Several steep flights of steps within the reserve follow topographical features, and allow visitors to view the reserve from top to bottom and lead to the stream.

Information courtesy of Tees Valley  Wildlife Trust.