Whittle Dene (South)

Beautiful ancient woodland with a rich cultural heritage along the Whittle Burn.

Location

Whittle Dene

Ovingham

Northumberland

NE42 6BG

OS Map Reference

NZ 079 643

Know before you go

Size

17 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

Park considerately in public parking in Ovingham and walk to the reserve or follow St Andrew’s Lane from Ovington and park on the road verge near the reserve.

Walking trails

There is a network of public footpaths on the site, the main routes run the length of the site from Ovingham in the south, continuing at the northern end onto Woodland Trust land and past the ruins of Whittle Mill. A bridleway runs north-west from Ovingham along fields to the west of the site.

Access

The site can be accessed on foot from various public footpaths. These are predominately unsurfaced, uneven and can be muddy and/or narrow in places. In some places the paths are fairly steep and there are some steps, including in crossing the footbridge over Whittle Burn. Please keep to the footpaths to minimise disturbance to wildlife.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

24/7/365

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn

About the reserve

Purchased in 2024 with help from a public appeal, Whittle Dene (South) is designated as a Local Wildlife Site for its ancient woodland, which is a priority habitat nationally and rare in Northumberland. The reserve also includes areas of grassland and scrub. A network of footpaths cross the Dene and it provides a beautiful stretch of broadleaved woodland to explore. In spring, bluebells and wild garlic cover the ground and the site is alive with birdsong. The Whittle Burn meanders through, providing vital resources for wildlife.

Large areas of Himalayan balsam are present. This invasive, non-native plant shades out native species and can help cause riverbank erosion. Some control of this plant is undertaken in the summer months.

The reserve also contains 11 cabins used as 'holiday homes' by the owners, which have historical significance as they date back to the early 1900s and served as getaways for workers from Tyneside's industrial past. Whittle Dene CIC, a local community group, with aims of working for the benefit of wildlife and community, help us to care for this site. This fits with our community-led approach.