Holywell Dene
The Holywell Dene local nature reserve encompasses areas of ancient semi natural woodland and salt marsh with some areas of scrub and wetland. There is a great public interest in the Dene, being exceptionally well used for informal recreation.
Conservation
The majority of the area also has Special Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). The woodland area is also subject to a Forestry Authority Woodland Grant Scheme contract and is successfully regenerating after years of cattle damage.
Holywell Dene is a steep sided wooded ravine through which Seaton Burn flows. The dominant trees are now beech and sycamore but were once thought to be oak and ash. The ground flora consists of species typical of ancient oak-ash-elm woodlands, it includes bluebell, ramsons, sanicle, moschatel and goldilocks buttercup. Pipistrelle and noctule bats have been recorded in the area and it is therefore hoped that some of the mature trees may provide roosting site for these protected species. Other protected species occurring in the Dene are badger, red squirrel, barn owl, otter and kingfisher.
The Future
The management aims are to maintain and increase public usage while continuing to improve the biodiversity of this already diverse area. The Friends of Holywell Dene are very active and carry out a wide variety of work from surfacing paths to education and working with schools.
BAP priority species
Bullfinch, Linnet, Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Pipistrelle Bat.
For more information about the Friends of Holywell Dene and events run by the group visit the Seaton Delaval and Holywell 'Community Groups area' of this website.
