Hayberries is varied in habitat and rich in invertebrates, with short and long wildflower grasslands, sandy, bare areas, broadleaf woodland with deadwood and a large pond.  

Seasonal highlights

The cinnamon bug, a species found new to the North Pennines through the Cold-blooded and Spineless project, can be found at this site in most months of the year. Coppice mining bees make use of spring blossom at Hayberries, while sandpit blood bees and small-spurred digger wasps live among the sandy banks. In summer the site is full of colour, with azure damselflies fluttering beside the pond, common purple-and-gold moths sheltering in thick vegetation and orange-belted hoverflies making use of the flowers. The woodland supports golden-bloomed grey longhorn beetles and forest shieldbugs.

• Car parking: Hayberries car park, Croft Yoke Lane, Romaldkirk, County Durham, DL12 9EQ.
• Grid reference: NY 99133 22963
• Survey route length: 0.6 miles
• Terrain: the route follows a rough, uneven footpath with some wet areas and small slopes.