Codes of Conduct

We ask that all  visitors to Moor House - Upper Teesdale  National Nature Reserve follow The Countryside Code and keep to the rights of way whilst exploring our Reserve.   Your four-legged friends are very welcome, on a lead, but please pick up after them and responsibly dispose of their waste. 

 

We would also like to make you aware of the law:

 

It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb:

a) a species listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 while it is building a nest or it is in on or near a nest containing eggs or young;

b) the dependant young of such a bird

c) a notified special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Any damage to habitat may be illegal on a nature reserve or SSSI, even if the landowner has given permission. 

 

There are also bye-laws (found on the back of our National Nature Reserve signs) prohibiting the following actions:

• Take, molest or intentionally disturb, injure or kill any living creature
• Take or intentionally destroy eggs, or the place used for the shelter or protection of any living creature.

IF YOU USE LOW FORCE FOR WATER SPORTS/TRAINING

 

Whether you are a kayaker, tuber, wild water swimmer or use Low Force for training purposes, please enjoy this area responsibly.  By following the River Access Code of Conduct, you can help us to look after this protected riverbank, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare plants that grow there.



  

IF YOU ARE A PHOTOGRAPHER OR BIRDWATCHER 

Photographers and birdwatchers are valued forces for nature conservation. Your good attitude and behaviour will generate the same amongst other visitors. Whether your interest is bird watching or photography the interests of the birds must always come first.

 

Avoiding damage and disturbance

Photographers and birdwatchers should be familiar with the natural history of their subjects to avoid damaging their interests accidentally. This is especially true of uncommon species and plants. The well-being of the wildlife must, at all times, take precedence over photography.

To fully enjoy the wildlife behaving naturally your presence should not impact on them or their habitats. For example, the use of bait or song tapes to attract birds to the camera is not permitted on the reserve.

Disturbing wildlife may keep birds away from their nests, leaving chicks hungry and cold or allowing predators to take their eggs or young.

During bad weather (rain, snow or exceptionally hot sun) repeated disturbance of birds means they use up vital energy and time needed for feeding which can reduce their chances of survival.

Be aware that the NNR has a number of sensitive habitats, therefore please keep to the rights of way.

Any incidental damage to surrounding vegetation, which may include young plants, must be avoided.

No flora or fauna should be removed from the National Nature Reserve. This includes uprooting or picking plants and any form of capture including the use of butterfly nets.

Dogs should be kept on a short fixed lead.

Keeping your distance

Birds flying away, or wildlife making repeated alarm calls, mean that you are too close and if they fly or move away you won’t get a good view of them!

Please stay on roads, paths or desire lines.

Group birding and rare birds

Please keep group sizes small (no more than 6 people) to minimise any impact on the reserve and so that you don’t interfere with other users.

 

Sharing images and information

If you see a rare bird consider the impact of sharing this information, in terms of increased visitors, the risks to the bird for example from egg collectors or persecution as well as the risks to other sensitive species on the reserve such as wading birds or rare plants.

On the National Nature Reserve always inform the Reserve Manager when first sighting a rare bird.

 

Be aware of the Law

Be aware of the relevant bye-laws (see the back of the signs on the National Nature Reserve). In particular these specify that it is prohibited to;

a) take, molest or intentionally disturb, injure or kill any living creature;

b) take or intentionally destroy eggs, or the place used for the shelter or protection of any living creature.

Any damage to habitat may be illegal on a nature reserve or SSSI, even if the landowner has given permission.

It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb:

a) , a species listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 while it is building a nest or it is in on or near a nest containing eggs or young;

b) the dependant young of such a bird

c) a notified special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

 

Anything suspicious?

If you see anyone disturbing or damaging either the wildlife or habitat on the reserve, please call the NNR Manager on 01833 622374.

If there is no reply please leave a message, with as much detail about the incident as you can and including a 6-figure map reference if possible.

 

Thank you for your co-operation. For more information please contact the Reserve Office on 01833 622374.