c

Arcot Pond

Northumberland  >  United Kingdom

A small mining subsidence lake surrounded by naturally regenerated grassland and scrub with a rich flora.

Added* by Nutcracker
Most recent update 8 мая 2024
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

Arcot Pond first formed around 1970 when underground coal mine workings subsided. In its early years, it regularly dried out in summer creating good conditions for passage waders, but this has not happened more recently as wetland flora colonised the area, forming dense stands of rushes at the water's edge.

The pond itself now holds only small numbers of water birds, but including the occasional unusual species, such as a Серощекая поганка that spent most of March 2021 there. Of rather greater interest is the wet grassland and shrubland surrounding the pond, which holds some of the best populations in Northumberland of several warblers, notably Обыкновенный сверчок, Камышевка-барсучок, and Славка-мельничек. In winter, it also attracts Болотная сова and Ушастая сова regularly, as well as good numbers of Белобровик and Рябинник coming to feed on Hawthorn berries.

Details

Access

Access along informal grass tracks off Arcot Lane, the minor road east of Arcot Hall Golf Course. Best to arrive by bicycle or on foot, though there is roadside parking (uneven and rutted!) for 2 or 3 cars.

Please avoid leaving the paths, as some of the unusual flora is sensitive to trampling.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Pond

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Slippery , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area