Forest bathing at Low Barns Nature Reserve

Low Barns is a Durham Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Witton-le-Wear, bordered by the River Wear. Mixed woodland, grassland and wetland sit around three lakes, with streams, reedbed ponds and wet pasture between them. It is a wildlife reserve first, with several hides open to everyone looking out over the water, and the hides are good places to sit still for a while.

The visitor centre and coffee shop are by the car park. The terrain is flat, with a boardwalk through the reedbed and large accessible hides, and a mobility scooter can be booked in advance. Paths through the woodland link the lakes, and the riverbank can be slippery. Entry is free, but non-members are asked for a donation towards parking. The reserve keeps daytime hours, so check before a late visit.