Join us as we discover hidden green spaces in our blog series
As our Move Mates projects expand, we're finding new locations of hidden green spaces - starting with Durham
At Move the Masses HQ we’re always keen to find new green spaces to explore and, as our projects expand, we’ve been delighted to find new spots!
One of our Durham volunteers has let us know about their favourite hidden green space. This is the fourth blog in our series – check out the others here. Don’t forget to let us know if you visit anywhere new as a result – we always love to hear from you! Likewise, if you have anywhere you think others should know about, please get in touch and we’ll feature it soon: hello@movethemasses.org.uk
Happy exploring!

The easily missed entrance near Durham Johnston School

The narrow path that leads to the hidden woodland
How to access Flass Vale…
Flass Vale is a green corridor between the major A167 and Durham city centre. City housing estates run either side of it. It is a quite a remarkable place, a mini forest in the middle of the city. There are designated public footpaths running through the vale and six access points; at Flass House, King’s Lodge, Valeside, Larches Road, Flassburn Road and Durham Johnston School. There’s also a non-designated footpath leading to the A167 from the top of the Vale.
Show location on Google Maps.
What can I do here?
Follow a path for a few minutes and then you enter an expanse of steep sided woodland, grassland and marsh habitats. You can explore, have a beautiful walk spotting lots of wildlife and flora and generally enjoy feeling like you are out in the wilderness rather than in a city. An added bonus for any little people joining the walk (and big people too) are the rope swings!

Mature tree in the woodland

Well walked footpaths within the trees
Did you know…
‘Flass’ is a Scandinavian word meaning marsh. Within Flass Vale, is Maiden’s Bower – a burial mound dating from around 3000 years ago.

The nature reserve is maintained by volunteers
