The Tees Valley railway path is dominated by flowery verges and species-rich hedgerows with areas of woodland and slow-flowing water providing a further variety of micro-habitats.

Seasonal highlights

In spring, the site is awash with blossom and flowers, providing much-needed food for early pollinators, such as queen common carder bees. Hedgerows support white-footed hoverflies during summer, with water crickets busy in the ditches below. Late summer to autumn is a great time to see caterpillars at this site, with brightly coloured grey dagger moth and elephant hawk moth caterpillars, while hedgehog slugs can be found year-round.

• Car parking: Tees Valley railway path car park, Mickleton, County Durham, DL12 0JB
• Grid reference: NY 96788 23389
• Survey route length: 0.8 miles
• Terrain: the full route is on a rough footpath along level ground with some trees routes and uneven areas.