Arcot Pond can be found only a short drive from the » Big Waters nature reserve and the » Plessey Woods Country Park. There are no bird hides and access is limited, however Arcot is well worth a visit, especially if you are in the area. The site consists of an attractive pond, adjacent to Arcot Hall and Golf Course which is close to the A19 and A1.
There is no dedicated parking, however visitors can park at the edge of Arcot Lane. There are some paths, which enable visitors to view the pond and explore the nearby grassland and woodland. The site is popular with wildfowl, which on occasion can include Whooper and Bewick Swans in the winter.
A Sedge Warbler
During the spring/summer months, a good selection of Warblers can be heard and seen such as Blackcap, Chiffchaff,
Grasshopper, & Reed Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. Other species to watch out for include Bullfinch,
Water Rail and Willow Tit. Rare visitors recorded have included
Great White Egret, Pectoral Sandpiper and Purple Heron.
Arcot Pond is certainly one of those areas of freshwater that could benefit from support to help manage and enhance the habitat to make it more suitable for a wider range of wildlife. The pond is surrounded by areas of well established woodland, with a wide variety of tree and plant species. This makes it more appealing to other wildlife such as Butterflies and Dragonflies.
Due to its isolated location, lack of clearly marked paths, and limited parking, this site, is not well visited at this time.
County
Northumberland.
Map Reference
NZ 251 753
Habitats
- Wetland
- Woodland
- Unimproved grassland
- Heathland
Access
The pond can be viewed from the road.
Facilities
There are public toilets and shops in the Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington.
Parking
There is usually enough room for 1-2 cars to park to the side of the road on Arcot Lane.