history and pictures of Cockfiel

Cockfield Fell

Pictures - Cockfield Fell Beck and Fell Ponies Summer 2007

Ponies on Cockfield Fell

The ponies on the Fell are all privately owned. In the spring the pregnant mares give birth to their foals, which are then left on the fell to grow. This is a very good time to visit, as there is nothing as cute as seeing the new born foals with their mothers.
Visitors should be aware that these ponies especially the mares with foals, although privately owned can still be semi wild, and should not be approached. Many of them are very friendly towards people, but this should not be taken for granted, as some of them can be aggressive.

All Livestock Is Removed From The Fell During April.

Wildlife And Habitat On Cockfield Fell

On the fell there are large areas of variable terrain and mixed vegetation. The rough grassland, provides a home for birds such as Skylarks and Meadow Pipits where they can easily be seen and heard, on the large areas of bracken, Stonechats and Reed Buntings can commonly be seen, there are gorse bushes that rabbits love to burrow under. In the semi permanent shallow ponds, frogs and heron are often seen, small mammals like shrews also live on the fell amongst the rough grassland and bracken. Two redundant stone quarry workings with sheer sides of stone can be found at either end of the fell. Wild flowers and heather (heather usually flowers in August and September) cover the Gaunless valley side leading down to the Gaunless river where Dippers, Grey wagtails and Kingfishers may be seen. On the other side of the river there is the old path of the Haggerleases Mineral Railway line and this valley side is covered with mixed deciduous trees and bracken, a real wildlife haven. Bring your binoculars, or just sit by the gurgling stream and listen to the peaceful sound of nature.

Coal Mining

Although the county of Durham has produced vast quantities of coal in the past, there is very little obvious evidence that you can now see. The pit heads are all long gone and most of the land has now been reclaimed, making farmland and nature reserves. There are historic walks and some evidence has been left to show us our heritage and history, this only enhances our countryside and in most areas has to be looked for. Coal has been dug, and mined for on Cockfield fell since the 1300’s. Small depressions (about 10 ft across) can still be seen on the top part of the fell where coal was extracted by digging a “bell pit”. There are many paths, tracks, waggonways, mounds and ditches left from Cockfields industrial past.

Railways

The route of the Darlington to Barnard Castle railway used to cross Cockfield Fell. In the valley where the river Gaunless flows they had to construct a viaduct. A temporary “village” had to be made for the construction workers, because the residents of Cockfield reputedly are said to have - not allowed the drunken workers in the village. The pillars that used to carry the railway viaduct can still be seen, although the army blew one of them down, for practise!
The path of the Haggerleases mineral railway line travels on the far side of the river Gaunless (now a footpath) and travelled under the viaduct. There are remains of the old type of beehive coke ovens hidden in the undergrowth on the North side of the track.
The Gaunless Valley visitor centre has more information, and is well worth a visit.
Shildon National railway museum is only a short distance away, and is defiantly recommended as a good all round family outing, with lots to interest everyone.
Darlington railway museum is on the North Road in Darlington and also comes highly recommended.
The Weardale railway also runs trains (including steam) along Weardale between Wolsingham and Stanhope.

Racing Pigeons

Racing pigeons are still a big interest for some people in this part of the country. On Cockfield fell you will see the pigeons kept in their “Cree’s”, each cree has its own style, and character. You may see the pigeon baskets stacked by the side of the road awaiting the transport lorry to collect them ready to race home.
When you see the men waving flags and calling at the pigeons, it is to keep them in flight during a training session, the longer they are in the air the stronger they become.

Tourist Information

Swaledale Outdoor Club