Joe's Pond

A deep, freshwater site; an excellent place for birdwatching

Location

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Joe’s Pond Nature Reserve

Fencehouses

DH4 6PU

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Grazing animals

Walking trails

Access

Terrain: Easy
Good access with new, raised boardwalk around the pond suitable for all mobilities.

Access and Parking
1 mile south-west of Houghton-le-Spring, west from the A690. From the B1284 between Chilton Moor and Great Lumley, follow Mallard Way to the Rainton Meadows visitor centre car park. The reserve gates are open from 9am-4.30pm (Mon- Sun). Leave car park and follow footpath signs to Joes Pond, 180m to the east.

Public Transport
Sunderland/Durham buses stop at Rainton Bridge Business Park leaving a short walk to the reserve with several waymarked footpaths.

Dogs

On a lead

Facilities

Visitor centre

Bird hides

Toilets

Shop

Cafe/refreshments

Picnic area

Accessible toilet

Baby changing facilities

Outdoor play area

Disabled parking

Accessible trails

When to visit

Opening times

Nearby Rainton Meadows visitor centre open 7 days a week, 10am to 4pm

Best time to visit

March to July, July to September

About the reserve

Joe’s Pond is located on the site of a former clay pit owned by the Coal Board. This clay pit flooded and was taken over by a local man by the name of Joe Wilson, leading to the site being named ‘Joe’s Pond’. Durham Wildlife Trust took over management of the reserve from Joe and the pond is now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its lowland wetland and pond interests.

Immediately adjacent to Durham Wildlife Trust’s Rainton Meadows reserve, the pond is relatively deep, fringed with reed swamp and areas of herb rich fen, an ideal habitat for a wide range of invertebrates, from water scorpions to dragonflies.

A total of 140 species of bird have been recorded on and around Joe’s Pond. There are also small areas of flower-rich grassland, with fantastic displays of cowslips apparent in spring.

The site is well served with footpaths and boardwalks providing excellent access for all, including wheelchairs and buggies. The Rainton Meadows Visitor Centre is a short walk away providing toilet facilities and refreshments.