Attraction in Houghton Le Spring
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
Chilton Moor
Houghton Le Spring
Tyne and Wear
DH4 6PU
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The reserve occupies the site of the restored Rye Hill surface coal mine and now provides a wide variety habitats including grassland, scrub, mature woodland and ponds. Wildlife to be seen here includes, mute swan, skylark, lapwing, short-eared owl and brown hare. A community wildlife garden and purpose built classroom provide lots of interest for children. Locally renowned Joe’s Pond, a deep freshwater pond is an excellent bird watching site with over 140 species to be seen, including wintering teal, pochard and tufted duck, an in summer great crested grebes. The surrounding scrub areas host large winter flocks of thrushes and all five species of owl are regularly seen. Other inhabitants of the area include roe deer, water voles, dragonflies, frogs, toads and smooth newts. At the southern end are damp meadows with hemlock and willowherb and a dry meadow, which contains cowslips in the spring.
Details
Months Open: All Year
Admission Price: Free
Catering: Café
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