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Description
Rainton Meadows wetlands and grasslands support a wide range of birds and over 200 species have been recorded. Waders such as punajalkaviklo, meriharakka and töyhtöhyyppä are regularly seen and also more unusual species such as pikkutylli. All five species of UK owl can be seen at different times of the year and there are good numbers of warblers, finches, tits and farmland birds.
Joe’s Pond is a flooded clay pit that was taken over from the Coal Board by local man Joe Wilson – hence the name. The Durham Wildlife Trust took over management of the reserve from Joe and the pond is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Immediately adjacent to DWT’s Rainton Meadows site, the pond is relatively deep and fringed with reed swamp and areas of herb rich fen – ideal habitat for a wide range of invertebrates, from water scorpions to dragonflies.
Woodland and scrub surround the site, which adds to the bird interest seen year round on the pond itself. 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 so there is something to see year round.
Details
Access
Situated midway between Durham and Sunderland just off the A690. Follow the brown signs for Rainton Meadows just south of Houghton-le-Spring or alternatively leave the A1(M) at Chester-le-Street and head west on the A183/A1052. The reserve gates are open from 9am – 4.30pm, Mon – Sun. The coffee shop is open 10am – 4pm every day.
Access is available to the visitor centre for wheelchair users with disabled toilets. Access is also available to the lakeshore and bird hide via surfaced level footpaths. 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.
Public Transport Sunderland/Durham buses stop at Rainton Bridge Business Park leaving a short walk to the reserve with several waymarked footpaths.
Dogs are welcome, but on leads at all times.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , LakeConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Summer , WinterRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Wheelchair , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The reserve has mixed terrain with a number of level surfaced pathways with a moderate slope up to the highest point offering fabulous views across the site and beyond. There are also three nature trails (heron, shrew and dragonfly) and walking routes with interactive rubbing posts for children available from the summer of 2014. Rainton Meadows was created by the restoration of the Rye Hill Opencast coal mine in 1996 by UK Coal in partnership with Durham Wildlife Trust and the City of Sunderland.