Allen Banks
Owned by The National Trust,and a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rich plant and animal life) - this extensive area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Stawardpeel Site of Special Scientific Interest, has many miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods.
Staward Wood
On a high promontory within Staward Wood are the remains of a medieval pele tower and at Allen Banks is a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse.
In spring and early summer it makes for a superb birdwatching walk as common resident woodland birds are joined by summer migrants such as Wood warbler,Redstart (main picture) and Pied flycatcher .River resident species such as Grey wagtail and Dipper share the river with Common sandpiper.The visitor should also look out for both Common buzzard and Hobby which is expanding its range northwards.
The woodlands at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, looked after the National Trust, are part of the largest area of ancient woodland in the North Pennines AONB.
Birds you may hear at Allen Banks
Allen banks is best visited in April / May where songbirds will be vocal and therefore easier to see. All common woodland birds are joined in spring by summer visitors including Pied flycatcher and Common redstart.
