Community Life

Steve's Nature Diary

I have been going out with the Cleveland Naturalists recently as part of their summer programme, and the September trip was to a place I had only visited once before: Castle Eden Dene.

If you haven't visited, it is well worth a trip. It gave me the impression of stepping back in time, with its massive trees, abundant ferns, horsetails and ancient rock formations. Located on the edge of Peterlee, Castle Eden Dene is the largest area of natural woodland in North East England and is renowned for its yew trees.

This tangled landscape is a survivor of the 'wildwood' that once covered much of Britain. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, managed by Natural England, and is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, including roe deer and foxes.

At 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long, it covers 221 hectares of woodland and lowland grassland, with several access points, and is signposted from the A19 and Peterlee.

During our walk, the birds were a little quiet, but we did see several buzzards and a sparrowhawk flying past, along with a great spotted woodpecker and a marsh tit. We also saw an array of fungi, including the bracket fungus Dryad's Saddle (Cerioporus squamosus) and Dead Moll's Fingers (Xylaria longipes), a very strange dark, finger-like fungus that grows on fallen or decaying hardwood branches, especially beech and sycamore.

We had a geologist with us who explained that the steep gorge of the Dene was carved by post-glacial meltwaters dissolving the soft Magnesian Limestone, creating some spectacular cliffs and geological features. When we reached the bottom of the Dene, we expected to see water flowing, but the stream has created an underground channel, so it often disappears and reappears further down the Dene.

The Dene is rich in history. The Saxons called this area Yoden, meaning 'Yew Dene', from which we get the name Eden today. The Burdon family, owners of the land from 1757 until the mid-20th century, built a large stately home on the edge of the Dene known as The Castle. They created many of the paths that still cross the reserve today.

Some of the larger geological features have been given names and stories, including the 'Kissing Frogs' and the huge 'Devil's Lapstone'. Legend tells how the Devil offered to help build Durham Cathedral. He planned to make foundations of rock so crumbly that, when thousands of people crowded into the cathedral for its opening, the building would collapse, killing everyone inside.

So, whether you are interested in natural history, history, geology or mythology, Castle Eden Dene is well worth a visit.

Ceddesfeld Hall: Home of Sedgefield Community Association
Ceddesfeld Hall: Home of Sedgefield Community Association

SCA Autumn Quiz Night
Thank you to everyone who attended our Autumn Quiz Night. It was a great success and a thoroughly enjoyable evening with quiz master Peter Hinde and the SCA team.

Ceddesfeld Hall Upcoming Events
Sedgefield Sounds featuring Mamma Said, Saturday 24 October, 7pm for 7.30pm
An evening of live acoustic music featuring local performers. Tickets £5, available from the bar (cash only), Maggie (07970 761844) or Sarah (07847 052761).

Christmas Craft Fayre, Saturday 28 November, 1pm to 4pm Part of the STC Snow Party and Parade. Community bar open until 7pm.

Mulled Wine & Mince Pies, Friday 18 December, 7pm Following Carols on the Green. Proceeds to Butterwick Hospice.

Christmas Kanikapila, Friday 18 December, 7.15pm Featuring the Sedgefield Smile Time Ukulele Band. Free entry.

SCA Christmas Eve Quiz, Thursday 24 December, 8pm Free event, including a raffle.

Membership 2026/27 Annual membership fees are:
Adults (under 60): £10
Seniors: £9
Under 18s/full-time students: £5

Payments can be made at the bar or by bank transfer via membership@sedgefieldsca.org.uk. Membership is vital to the continued running of SCA and Ceddesfeld Hall.

New members are always welcome

For more information on Ceddesfeld Hall events, regular activities, room hire and bar opening times, contact Wendy on 01740 620206, Pat on 01740 620607, John on 01740 620042, Sarah on 01740 622185. Visit us on Facebook or see the SCA website, www.sedgefieldsca.org.uk

U3A Update

The new autumn session started positively, with an almost full hall listening to Denis Fox's fascinating talk, Beyond the Call of Duty, about local heroes and heroines who went above and beyond in their work.

We heard about the Seaham Lifeboat, which launched into stormy seas in November 1962 to rescue a local fishing coble.

Although four fishermen and a nineyear- old boy were rescued, tragedy struck when the George Elmy was capsized by two huge waves just 100 yards from safety. Five lifeboat crew members and four of those rescued, including young David Burrell, lost their lives.

Denis also told us about the Aycliffe Angels, around 17,000 women who worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory during the 1940s. The work was dangerous, and many were killed or injured, yet much of their contribution went unrecognised due to wartime secrecy.

Nursing during the First World War was equally demanding and dangerous. Denis shared the story of a young woman from Spennymoor who did far more than simply “do her bit”.

Members of the committee hosted the charity stall at the August Farmers’ Market. It was a pleasure to meet so many people and tell them about the benefits of belonging to u3a.

We were delighted to welcome many of them to our meeting earlier this month. The Wine Appreciation Group compared wines that were more expensive than our usual selections.

Sometimes the cheaper wine was preferred, but occasionally the extra cost really did make a difference! The Health and Wellbeing Group learnt valuable first-aid skills from a local Red Cross representative, covering everything from burns and cuts to choking, allergic reactions and the use of a defibrillator.
The Book Group read A Bike Ride by Anne Mustoe.

Opinions were divided and some members were unable to finish the book, although all admired the author's courage. A score of 6/10 was awarded.

October’s monthly meeting, on 2 October from 2pm to 4pm in the Parish Hall, will feature one of our favourite speakers, Bob Pullen, who continues his fascinating series on the human brain.

This month he will focus on touch, pain and painkillers. Join us from 1.30pm for coffee, conversation and the chance to find out more about our interest groups, activities and community projects.

To discover more about who we are and what we do, please visit our website and explore the many benefits of belonging to such a positive and welcoming group.

Chris Balfour
Sedgefield Speaks

Growing up, I spent hours lost in classic storybooks, mesmerised by tales of picturesque English villages with blooming gardens and warm, close-knit communities. For a long time, those romantic countryside scenes felt like a distant dream. Today, that childhood aspiration has wonderfully become my everyday reality. For more than five years, my family and I have been fortunate to call the beautiful village of Sedgefield home.

To me, Sedgefield is the crown jewel of North East England. What makes this place truly special is not only its scenic beauty but also its vibrant and generous community. I have a deep love for our local traditions and enjoy celebrating festive occasions throughout the year, whether decorating and gathering for Easter, enjoying the fun and magic of Halloween, or embracing the warmth of Christmas. Taking part in these village events brings my family and me immense joy.

I am proud to be a contributing member of Sedgefield News magazine, where I help capture the spirit of our wonderful community.

The tireless work carried out by local groups and volunteers is nothing short of remarkable. Inspired by their dedication, I hope to join the Sedgefield In Bloom group in the near future and help keep our village's gardens and floral displays thriving.

Living in Sedgefield is about far more than residing in a beautiful location; it is about belonging to a community that genuinely cares. I feel grateful to be part of this extraordinary place and am committed to doing my part to preserve and continue its wonderful legacy for years to come.
Dhrubajyoti Chatterjee

1st Sunday of the Month-8:30am to 12 noon.
Sedgefield Farmers’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month from 8:30 am to around 12:15–12:30 pm on the village green (in front of St Edmund’s Church) in the heart of Sedgefield.

Run by dedicated local volunteers from the Sedgefield Development Trust, the market features roughly 20 producers each month offering a range of locally sourced goods — from fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, and baked goods to pies, pastries, spices, bread, beverages, and more.

It also includes a free community stall (perfect for local charities or groups) alongside a music tent and health bus to engage visitors. The market prides itself on being a true producers’ market, encouraging customers to talk with stallholders and learn about the origins of their food.

farmers@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk.

Nestled at Skerne Wood within NETPark, the Woodland & Wildlife Project is a community conservation initiative. Volunteers work together to enhance biodiversity through activities like planting trees and creating “dead hedges” that provide habitats for insects, small mammals, and birds.

The project also hosts a variety of wildlife-focused events: botany and dawn-chorus walks, bat-watching evenings, Christmas tree recycling days, and annual bird censuses—tools that help guide habitat management and monitor species like chiffchaff, blackcap, bullfinch, and sedge warbler.

Over time, these efforts have created a green corridor and educational woodland space that supports local wildlife and connects community volunteers with nature.

This initiative helps local households identify heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Residents can borrow a thermal imaging camera to check for drafts, insulation gaps, and other issues that waste energy and increase heating costs.

By spotting problem areas, you can take simple steps to make your home warmer and reduce bills.

Friendly Fixers is a community project that helps residents repair and reuse everyday items instead of throwing them away. From small household repairs to fixing bikes, toys, and gadgets, volunteers offer practical skills and advice to save money, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet helpful people, and keep useful items out of landfill.

Fishburn Youth and Community Centre. First Saturday of the month, 10:30am-12:30pm

For more information email us at: repaircafe@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk.
Follow us on Facebook for all things fixing Friendly Fixers—Repair Cafe!

This initiative encourages sustainable travel in and around Sedgefield by promoting cycling, walking, and other active transport options. The project supports residents with advice on safe routes, bike maintenance, and practical tips for reducing car use. It aims to improve health, cut emissions, and make local journeys easier and greener.

Want to get involved? Join community rides, learn maintenance skills, or share ideas to help make Sedgefield a more cycle-friendly place.

Please join us on Facebook or email cycling@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk

Would you like to join our group of local beekeepers?
If so, contact Lesley for more details on 07856 625007 or find out further details on our Facebook page – Bees at Hardwick.

Homework Help is on hold.

Get in touch at homework@sedgefielddevelopmenttrust.co.uk.