Joe's Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe's Pond |
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Joe's Pond
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 Joe's Pond
Location in Tyne and Wear
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| Location | Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, North East, England |
| Area | 60 ha (150 acres) |
| Established | 1968 |
| Governing body | Durham Wildlife Trust |
| Website | Reserve details |
Joe's Pond is a special place for nature in Tyne and Wear, England. It used to be called Nicholson's Pond. This area is about four hectares big, which is like four football fields! It sits right next to the Rainton Meadows nature reserve.
Joe's Pond is so important for wildlife that it's been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its rare plants, animals, or geology.
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What is Joe's Pond?
Joe's Pond was first recognized as a special nature spot in 1968. The main part of the site is a deep pond filled with fresh water. But the land around the pond is also very important. It has many different types of habitats, which are like natural homes for plants and animals. These habitats provide shelter for over 140 different kinds of birds and other wildlife.
How Joe's Pond Started
The pond itself is located where an old open-cast coal mine used to be. An open-cast mine is a type of mine where coal is dug up from the surface, not from underground tunnels.
In 1951, a man named Joe Wilson leased this land. He started to look after it, making it a better place for wildlife. That's how Joe's Pond got its name! Later, in 1970, the Durham Wildlife Trust bought the pond. They now manage it, working together with the nearby Rainton Meadows nature reserve.
The Three Ponds
Joe's Pond isn't just one pond; it's actually three!
- The smallest pond is called the Balancing Pond. It helps keep the main pond clean by catching any dirty water that might leak from old coal waste piles nearby.
- The Overflow Pond is a bit bigger. It helps control the water level in the main pond. It's connected to the main pond by a special gate called a sluice gate.
Where to Find Joe's Pond
You can find Joe's Pond north of East Rainton and south of Chilton Moor. It's easy to get to from the A690 road.
Amazing Wildlife at Joe's Pond
Joe's Pond is a fantastic spot for watching birds! You can see more than 140 different species here.
Birds to Spot
- In winter, you might see birds like the common teal, common pochard, and tufted duck. These birds often come to the pond to spend the colder months.
- During the summer, look out for great crested grebes. They are known for their fancy mating dances on the water!
- The bushes and trees around the pond are home to large groups of thrushes in winter.
- All five types of owls that live in the UK are regularly seen here. Can you imagine spotting an owl?
Joe's Pond is a wonderful place to connect with nature and see many different kinds of wildlife!
