Brignall Banks is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Teesdale district of south-west County Durham, England. It consists of a narrow belt of woodland on the steep slopes of the valleys of the River Greta and its tributary, Gill Beck, just west of Brignall village and about 6 km south of Barnard Castle. [1]

Brignall Banks
Map showing the location of Brignall Banks
Map showing the location of Brignall Banks
Site of Special Scientific Interest
LocationMAGiC MaP
Nearest townBarnard Castle
Coordinates54°29′51″N 1°54′12″W / 54.49750°N 1.90333°W / 54.49750; -1.90333
Area85.0 ha (210 acres)
Established1987
Governing bodyNatural England
WebsiteBrignall Banks SSSI

It is one of the largest expanses of semi-natural woodland in North-east England; a number of scarce species are present, indicating that it is ancient woodland. [2] A varied lichen flora includes several species that are sensitive to air pollution and rare in County Durham, including some, such as Thelotrema lepadinum and Graphis scripta, that are indicator species for ancient woodland. [2]

References edit

  1. ^ "MAGiC MaP : Brignall Banks SSSI". Natural England - Magic in the Cloud Service.
  2. ^ a b "Brignall Banks : Reasons for designating the SSSI" (PDF). Natural England. Retrieved 1 March 2022.