Come on in...
the Brightwater's lovely!

In case you haven’t heard of us, Discover Brightwater is a landscape partnership which has been funded by all of the nice people that play the lottery.

You can Discover Brightwater by following the Ancient River Skerne as it starts near the Trimdons via Hurworth Burn Reservoir then flows south near Fishburn, Bishop Middleham, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe and through Darlington. 

Named after the old viking word ‘Skirr”, Brightwater combines a unique landscape and history with the lively communities of South West Durham.

 

Unfortunately we weren’t given a catchy name like ‘The Dales” or “The Lakes” so we’ve had to make one up. The Skerne was originally named by our Viking ancestors; the word ‘skirr’ means bright and shining*

 – Discover Brightwater our new catchy name.

“Skirr”, meaning ‘bright and clear’ which is known to be the origin of other similar place names. It captures the magic of the light dancing on the surface of what was once a vast wetland area.

The word ‘skirr” also means rubbish tip, but we didn’t think Rubbishwater had quite the same appeal…

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Hur w o r th Bu r n Reser v oir

News Splash

We’re already smashing the schedule to fix the Skerne, improving pathways not to mention building a brand new nature reserve…..and we’re only just getting started!!

Click below to find out what else we’ve been upto 

19. Bishop's Fen, looking south from disused railway
Tender to help us create the Great North Fen
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Gem Trail Launch
Join us for the Launch of the Discover Brightwater Gem Trail – scan the QR code
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Darlington Trails
Darlington historic town centre is full of places to go and things to do and the Darlington Trails app will help guide you around.

YOUR BRIGHTWATER NEEDS YOU!

Ready to save the planet or dig up the dirt on your ancestors?

Whatever the reason Brightwater needs you to help restore, reveal and celebrate life around the River Skerne.

We may not be able to work together face to face right now, but we’re looking at creative ways to keep the project going during this pandemic.

We’ll keep you updated so make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter or keep an eye on our website and social pages.

events & Volunteering Opportunities

To protect our staff, volunteers and the community, we have decided to postpone all digs, events and workshops due to take place before 01 June 2020. This will be continuously reviewed in accordance with current guidelines.

We’re continuing to work from home to keep the fun going. Make sure you pop back to find out about some of the great things happening in our patch, even if it is from behind your screen.

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Big Weekend October 2022

Big Weekend 2022 This October Saturday the 1st & Sunday the 2nd. Events at Bishop Middleham, Hardwick Pack, Locomotion & Shildon Library, and South Park Darlington

Big Weekend October 2022

Big Weekend 2022 This October Saturday the 1st & Sunday the 2nd. Events at Bishop Middleham, Hardwick Pack, Locomotion & Shildon Library, and South Park Darlington
anthology

Launch event for The Brightwater Anthology

Writers Celebrate Life Around the River Skerne

Launch event for The Brightwater Anthology

Writers Celebrate Life Around the River Skerne
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How To Tell The Story of a Village, with Discover Brightwater

Learn how to research the historic villages of Brightwater, County Durham, and create a ‘Village Atlas’ to bring their stories to life.

How To Tell The Story of a Village, with Discover Brightwater

Learn how to research the historic villages of Brightwater, County Durham, and create a ‘Village Atlas’ to bring their stories to life.

WANT TO SNIFF OUT
WHAT WE ARE UPTO?

Have a nose around by clicking on our pages below.
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DISCOVER BRIGHTWATER…
AND WIN A PRIZE

You probably have lots of spare time on your hands right now. Beat the lockdown boredom and win a prize…..see if you can find the hidden link within our website.

Contact us with the secret code to be entered into our prize draw.

Alternatively you could press this button and meet the team

BE PART OF SOMETHING
PRETTY AMAZING

Get in touch with us today to receive updates about the Discover Brightwater programme and information on opportunities to get involved…
JUST ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW AND FIRE IT AWAY…

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