Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick woods were declared a National Nature Reserve in 1992. The 71ha site contains some of the finest ancient oak woodlands in north east England as well as some unique semi natural grasslands. It is designated SSSI for these features in addition to its lichen assemblage.

 

The zonation of woodland types from dry acid sessile oak woods on the higher ground to the flushed lime rich ash woodland and wet alder woodland in the lower slopes creates a rich diversity of woodland flora and fauna. Spring time is best for seeing the flora and brings with it a plethora of breeding woodland birds, red kites and buzzards can be seen gliding above the canopy with spotted and pied flycatcher, redpoll, siskin’s and wood warblers within the woods, and dippers, kingfishers and goosanders along the river and its tributaries.

 

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a substantial amount of activity mainly related to the mining and mineral industry, with the remains of several mines, limekilns and coppice management within the NNR. The reserve sits between the village of Muggleswick, to the north east, and the village of Castleside, to the west.