About the reserve

Winding grass paths lead visitors to all corners of the reserve, taking in many natural and educational features along the way. Children will enjoy walking beneath willow tunnels and canopies of oak. There are also open grassy areas for relaxing in the sunshine, log piles for insects and amphibians to hide in, and ponds to watch dragonflies.

Each turn of the path can reveal something new to the interested explorer, whether it’s a roe deer wandering through the woodlands on the valley-sides, young stoats chasing each other in and out of the undergrowth or woodpecker tapping away at a dead tree for their dinner.

Woodhill meadow is set in the countryside at the edge of the Margrove Valley; close enough for a trip from Middlesbrough and urban Teesside, but wild enough to give a sense of adventure and tranquility.

Woodhill itself is perfectly placed for a bigger day out into the local landscape. Footpaths lead up through the wooded valley and out onto the moorland at the top of Birk Brow. Visitors can also follow a longer loop around the Margrove Valley, taking in other points of interest, such as Margrove Pond (just up the road towards Boosbeck) and any number of other natural and industrial features.