Exploring The Coastal Village Of Hawthorn

Located in County Durham in the countryside of northeast England

, Hawthorn is a coastal township, village and ecclesiastical parish between the towns of Easington and Seaham. Situated approximately one and half miles northeast of Easington and about three miles away from South Hetton station, this small, rustic, rural village lies on a low rise just north of Easington town.

Situated in an area historically known for agricultural, mining and railway industries, County Durham, which is bordered by North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, Cumberland and Cumbria, has recently been revived and regenerated. Promoted as a destination for tourists from within the country, the county retains much of its rustic charms, not just in listed and recognised World Heritage Sites such as County Durham Cathedral and Castle, but also in many of the smaller villages in the county, such as Hawthorn.

The most notable feature of Hawthorn is its proximity to the coast, with the North Sea running along the east of the parish. The bold, rugged and rocky coastal edge of the sea is linked to the village by a rivulet known as Hawthorn Dene, a scenic and naturally abundant glen area which is today under the care of the National Trust. Occupying Hawthorn Burn's valley, extending from the south of the village eastward to the Durham Coast railway line, the naturally rich Hawthorn Dene is considered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in addition to being the crowning jewel of Hawthorn.

Hawthorn Dene is also a nature reserve and is the second largest Dene in County Durham along the coast. Hawthorn Dene boasts fairly unspoiled semi-natural woodland and grassland meadow habitats that have developed over magnesian limestone. The Dene today boasts some of the country's rarest flora and fauna, such as yew, early purple orchid and bird's nest orchid. It is also home to some of the oldest trees dating back to ancient times. The reserve also attracts a wide variety of woodland birds, butterflies and small mammals such as roe deer. Attractive to nature enthusiasts and fans of the great outdoors, there are picturesque, winding walks to be undertaken along the glen, with the promise of being rewarded by spectacular natural panoramas.

Hawthorn village itself is small, tranquil and rustic. Aside from some historical buildings such as the village's Gothic-style church built in 1863, there is little by way of landmarks. Historically, the township remained largely rural despite the growth of industry in County Durham and the surrounding areas. However, the increase in industry in the post-medieval era in such close proximity meant spill over benefits, such as railway services. There are also a number of historically interesting events that have taken place nearby, particularly along the nearby coastal shipping routes. The sites of the shipping wrecks such as the 'Rainbow', the 'Sirius' and 'Miss Thomas' are today still known. As a result of these wrecks, preventive measures such as coastguard stations and rocket posts were erected at the rocky and dangerous ravines and caverns of Hawthorn Hythe and Hawthorn Dene.

While the village itself is an oasis of natural beauty, peace and quiet, it is located close to the towns of Easington and Seaham and to the recently revitalised county town of Durham, which makes the village close to amenities and cultural facilities such as museums.

by: Matt Fay

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