Joe's Pond

[shewhomust]

For once it was durham_rambler who suggested that we take Tuesday afternoon off, and go out. What's more, he knew where he wanted to go: his social media had been showing him pictures of Joe's Pond, and the adjacent nature reserve at Rainton Meadows.

This is post-industrial landscape: the nature reserve was created by the restoration of the Rye Hill Opencast coal mine, and Joe's Pond is a former clay pit, now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a very pleasant place to walk around on a sunny afternoon. There's a swan on her nest, and another preening by the path, who hissed at us as we passed. There were some coot, but they were camera-shy. The hawthorn was in bloom, and the yellow irises were just emerging.

And we called at a farm shop on our way home.

Comments

[sovay]

This is post-industrial landscape: the nature reserve was created by the restoration of the Rye Hill Opencast coal mine, and Joe's Pond is a former clay pit, now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a very pleasant place to walk around on a sunny afternoon.

I love the picture of it.

[shewhomust]

Thank you!

[cmcmck]

There are post industrial landscapes around here too (lead, coal, lime) and like this one, you wouldn't know it.

[shewhomust]

It's always good to be reminded of this...

[cellio]

Very pretty! It sounds like a pleasant day out.

[shewhomust]

Thank you. It was - or at least, a pleasant afternoon!

[athenais]

That looks like a beautiful place for a late spring walk.

[shewhomust]

Thanks! We hope to return and explore further.