Castle Eden Dene Nature Reserve

Running along the southern edge of Peterlee is the largest area of semi-natural woodland in North East England. The dene vegetation is typical of the wild wood which once covered most of Britain, and remains relatively untouched due to the largely inaccessible gorge in which it grows. The reserve spans over four miles from the visitor centre through the gorge and eventually down to the sea, providing a wide range of habitats and making it a wildlife watchers' dream day out.