Black & White, Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills, Blaydon, Tyne & Wear, England.

            Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills: A Biodiversity Haven Reclaimed

Introduction:
Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills, located in Blaydon, Tyne & Wear, England, stands as a testament to the successful reclamation of an area once scarred by quarrying and opencast activities. Today, it serves as a crucial habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering a sanctuary for species facing threats from modern development and agricultural practices.

Flora and Fauna:
The grassland of Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills provides a breeding ground for a variety of birds, including the melodious skylark, the resilient grey partridge, and the enchanting meadow pipit. The landscape is dotted with the aptly named dingy skipper butterflies, thriving amidst the birds-foot trefoil and bare ground. The elusive green tiger beetle, a denizen of sandy expanses, adds to the insect tapestry, making appearances on warm summer days.

The grassland hosts an array of other butterflies, such as the small heath and wall brown, while mid-summer witnesses a spectacular display as thousands of burnet moths flutter around, nourishing themselves on plants like field scabious and lucerne. Gorse-clad areas become nesting grounds for linnets and yellowhammers, while green woodpeckers dart around, drawn to the anthills scattered across the site.

The sandy soils of the region harbor unique plant life, including the storks bill, named for its distinctive seed pods, and the inconspicuous yet rare birdsfoot, which finds its stronghold in this very area.

Aquatic Life:
Around the ponds and ditches, dragonflies like the common darter and migrant hawker grace the air, accompanied by the delicate dance of emerald and common blue damselflies. The water itself is home to the elegant little grebe and the majestic mute swan, with the occasional flash of a kingfisher adding a burst of color to the scene.

Management Strategies:
The thriving populations owe their existence to careful management practices. A combination of controlled grazing, strategic tree felling, and deliberate creation of bare ground ensures the preservation of the short, flower-rich grassland habitat. This approach not only supports the existing biodiversity but also aims to secure the legacy of this reclaimed landscape for future generations.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges:
The significance of Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills as a haven for ground-nesting birds necessitates responsible behavior from visitors. From April to the end of August, a crucial period for these birds, it is imperative that dogs are kept under control, allowing the delicate ecosystems to flourish undisturbed.

Conclusion:
Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills stands as a testament to the potential for environmental reclamation and conservation efforts. This once-degraded landscape now thrives as a haven for a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, showcasing the delicate balance that can be achieved through thoughtful management and community engagement. As visitors tread lightly, respecting the habitats and heeding conservation guidelines, Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills promises to remain a sanctuary of biodiversity, a living testament to the resilience of nature when given the chance to reclaim its rightful place.
   

Taken on: September 18, 2023

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Stargate Ponds & Bewes Hills

Tyne & Wear

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Camera: Canon EOS 1200D, f/4.0, 1/200 sec, 16mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 1200D
Aperture:	f/4.0
Exposure Time:	0.005 sec (1/200)
Focal Length:	16mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	+5 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Shutter speed priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Windows Photo Editor 10.0.10011.16384
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