<p>County Durham’s landscape is predominantly influenced by the North Pennines (NCA 11) and Durham Magnesian Limestone (NCA 30) National Character Areas. These NCAs support a wide variety of habitats, many of which are crucial for biodiversity and are classified as priority habitats under the BNG framework.</p><p></p><p>Grassland Habitats</p><p>Upland Heath: Upland heathland is a characteristic habitat in the North Pennines, with species like bilberry and heather. This habitat supports rare species like the red grouse and heathland birds.</p><p>Limestone Grassland: Found on the Magnesian Limestone escarpment, these grasslands support orchids and a range of insect species.</p><p>Lowland Meadows: Common in the valley bottoms, lowland meadows provide crucial habitat for invertebrates, ground-nesting birds, and wildflowers.</p><p>Modified Grassland: Dominates agricultural areas but provides opportunities for improvement through buffer zones or wildflower planting to enhance biodiversity.</p><p></p><p>Woodland and Forest Habitats</p><p>Mixed Deciduous Woodland: Extensive woodlands in the valleys of County Durham, especially in areas like Weardale, provide critical habitats for bats, birds, and small mammals.</p><p>Wet Woodland: Often found along river corridors, these woodlands offer important breeding habitats for amphibians and birds, especially in floodplain areas.</p><p>Ancient Woodland: Scattered throughout the region, ancient woodlands are invaluable for biodiversity, supporting a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of fungi, mosses, and birds.</p><p></p><p>Wetland and Watercourse Habitats</p><p>Rivers and Streams: County Durham is crisscrossed by rivers like the Tees and Wear, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and support rich aquatic life, including salmon, otters, and water voles.</p><p>Floodplain Wetlands: These habitats, found along the major rivers, provide crucial breeding grounds for birds and support diverse plant species.</p><p>Ponds and Small Water Bodies: Found across the landscape, these wetland features support amphibians, insects, and birds, playing a key role in the local ecosystem.</p><p></p><p>Heathland and Shrub</p><p>Lowland Heath: Scattered across the county, particularly in areas of the Magnesian Limestone, lowland heathland supports species like nightjar and common lizard.</p><p>Scrub Habitats: Mixed scrub, particularly in transitional zones between heathland and woodland, supports a variety of species but is often fragmented and requires restoration for optimal biodiversity.</p><p></p><p>Cropland Habitats</p><p>Arable Land: Much of County Durham’s agricultural land is used for cereal crops, but opportunities exist to enhance field margins, integrate buffer strips, and create wildlife corridors to benefit pollinators and other species.</p><p>Grassland Lays: Temporary grasslands and clover leys can offer higher biodiversity value, particularly when enhanced with wildflower mixes or managed for pollinators.</p><p></p><p>Hedgerows and Linear Features</p><p>Species-Rich Hedgerows: County Durham’s hedgerows, often linked to ancient field patterns, are vital wildlife corridors, providing habitat for birds, mammals, and insects.</p><p>Ditches and Wet Features: These linear features are important for water management and can provide significant biodiversity benefits when managed properly.</p>