East Cramlington Pond
Location
OS Map Reference
NZ 292 758
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
There is limited parking in the lay-by on B1326 Cramlington to Seaton Delaval road.Walking trails
There is a circular route around the reserve. Parts of the reserve can be wet at times. One main section of wide boardwalk is around the north east corner of the pond, with a step onto and off the boardwalk. There is a further boardwalk at the southern end of the pond with level access and a further short section of boardwalk with a step on and off.
Access
Access is via a gateway off the B1326, just outside Seaton Delaval on the East Cramlington road (NZ292758). Limited parking is available in the lay-by adjacent to a wide single-latch gate. This leads to 16 broad and well-spaced steps leading to an often muddy path. The terrain is relatively level grass tracks, with one short steep and uneven rise on the western side of the pond, and paths can be wet and muddy. Please contact the Trust for any special access requirements.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
24/7/365Best time to visit
Spring and autumnAbout the reserve
This small reserve is on part of a former claypit but now contains a tranquil pond, grassland and areas of scrub. The ponds and their margins contain plants typical of this sort of habitat including: broad-leaved pondweed, yellow flag iris, water plantain and lesser spearwort. Reedmace also occurs around the main pond.
The grassland areas contain a good variety of relatively common species including early purple orchid and cowslip. The ponds form a good habitat for common frog and toad as well as great-crested newts. In the autumn there can be thousands of tiny toadlets making their way from the pond. Dragonflies such as the common and ruddy darters and azure damselflies are prevalent. A number of small mammals are present on the site. The birdlife of the site is limited due to its small size but common species of 'garden' bird occur as do moorhen, linnet, sedge warbler and reed bunting.