Nature

Matt Baker grew up in County Durham and spent many happy childhood days in Castle Eden Dene. Returning with Nature of Britain he’s been able to discover a whole new world in a wood he thought he knew inside out.

The Dene is a semi-ancient woodland – it’s origins can be traced back 10,000 years. If you know where to look there are clues such as plants like Dog’s Mercury and Ramson. If they are both present there’s every chance the woodland is incredibly old. You’ll also find one of the longest living trees here – the Yew. In fact Saxons named this gorge Yoden – which means Yew.

As you wander through the woodland you might come across the odd deer or badger if you’re lucky. Sadly even though one of the walks is signposted by red squirrels the real ones haven’t been seen for a while. It seems the greys have taken over.

There’s one species you might not give a second glance to. Where the Dene opens out top the coast you’ll find one the region’s rarest butterflies, the Northern Brown Argus.