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Joe’s Pond, formerly known as Nicholson’s Pond, is a 4.5-hectare (11.1 acres) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest that lies to the east of, and adjacent to, the Rainton Meadows nature reserve in Tyne and Wear, England.[1] It occupies the site of a former clay pit owned by the Coal Board.[2]
A local man, Joe Wilson, took over the clay pit after it flooded, hence it became known as Joe’s Pond. It is now managed by Durham Wildlife Trust,[2] and supports a variety of wetland habitats, including open-water and reed swamp.[1]
Flora and fauna
Joe’s pond is relatively deep, and is fringed with reed swamp and areas of herb rich fen, providing an ideal habitat for a wide range of invertebrates from water scorpions to dragonflies. One hundred and forty species of bird have been recorded on and around Joe’s Pond:[2] breeding wildfowl include mallard, tufted duck, coot, moorhen and little grebe; pochard, goldeneye, shoveler and teal are regular winter visitors.[1]