© Duncan Hutt
This small site lies on a steep bank above the Ray Burn near Knowesgate. The main interest of the reserve is the swathe of bluebells which forms a magnificent display in late spring. There is no access to the site but the best views are, in any case, from the nearby road. A large number of rabbits on site are hindering attempts to reinstate trees on the bracken-covered parts of the reserve.
One of the best bluebell sheets in Northumberland on the site of a felled woodland. Very little natural woodland cover now remains though attempts have been made to establish trees on site. Natural regeneration of mainly rowan and birch is present on the north end. The site is dominated by bluebells in late spring and then by a cover of bracken. The site is on a well-drained east to north-facing bank about 10m in height. There is a large badger sett on the bank and foraging paths lead off into surrounding fields.
Nearby nature reserves
- Little Harle Pasture
- 2 miles - Northumberland Wildlife Trust
- Mill Burn
- 5 miles - Northumberland Wildlife Trust
- Grasslees Burn Wood
- 8 miles - Northumberland Wildlife Trust