Burnhope Pond

About the Site

Burnhope Pond is situated in the centre of a species rich meadow. To the east is a conifer plantation containing a number of smaller ponds, which have formed as a result of coal mining subsidence.

The main pond is irregularly shaped and quite deep in places. A wide variety of aquatic plants grow around the margins including soft rush, bottle sedge and water horsetail.

A host of insects and their larvae also live within the ponds. Many flying insects lay their eggs, and when the larvae hatch they can live on the bottom of the pond for up to two or three years. Once the larvae are fully developed, they crawl out of the pond onto the surrounding vegetation and the adult insects break their way out of the hard outer casing.

Larvae found at Burnhope Pond include caddis-fly and various species of dragonfly. The caddis-fly larvae build themselves cases out of small stones, leaves and silt which keeps them protected and camouflaged in the pond.

Other insects that can be seen on the pond’s surface include water beetles such as the whirligig beetle and water boatmen. The whirligig beetles are so called because of their habit of swimming round and round in circles.

Nine species of dragonflies regularly visit and lay their eggs in the ponds here. Black darter dragonflies are extremely uncommon in County Durham and have been seen visiting Burnhope Pond. This small, jet black dragonfly usually seen between July and September can also be recognised by a rather feeble flight that is regularly broken for periods of rest.

The meadow surrounding the pond is a mosaic of improved and species rich grassland. It is made up of bents and fescues and also contains harebell and pignut.

Birds such as coot, moorhen and mallard regularly breed on the pond. Little grebe also occasionally breed here. These are great birds to watch as they dive for food. Teal and little ringed plover may also visit in winter.

Foxglove and bramble grow underneath the dense canopy of the conifer plantation and heather and bilberry is found along some of the more open paths. The southern end of the plantation was recently felled and replanted with oak and birch to encourage structure and diversity to the woodland. The ponds contain mare’s-tail and a number of birds find shelter here.

Burnhope Pond

Location

Burnhope Pond is 7 miles north-east of Durham City, near Burnhope village, between Annfield Plain and Lanchester. Turn north towards Maiden Law at the cross-roads on the Burnhope to Lanchester road. There is parking space for a number of cars on the west side of the minor road. In winter, bird watchers usually view the birds on the pond with a telescope or binoculars from the road, reducing disturbance. Rights of way run from the road through the field and wood.

Facilities

None.

Enquiries

Durham Wildlife Trust
Rainton Meadows
Chilton Moor
Houghton-Le-Spring
Tyne and Wear
DH4 6PU
Tel: 0191 5843112

Durham County Council
Environment
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833594