Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest just north of the city of Durham, England. The site occupies an area of former clay pits sandwiched between the River Wear to the south and Frankland Prison to the north and is split into two parts by a disused railway line.

Brasside Pond
Map showing the location of Brasside Pond
Map showing the location of Brasside Pond
Location of Brasside Pond SSSI, Co Durham
LocationDurham, North East, England
Coordinates54°48′5″N 1°32′48″W / 54.80139°N 1.54667°W / 54.80139; -1.54667
Area25.1 ha (62 acres)
Established1966 / 1985
Governing bodyNatural England
WebsiteMap of site

North of the railway, adjacent to the prison, are two large ponds, the result of flooding of the old clay workings. These are one of the largest expanses of unpolluted open water, reservoirs excepted, in County Durham and are the most important breeding site for wildfowl in the county.[1]

The portion south of the old railway is a mix of small ponds and fen, surrounded by acid grassland.

References

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  1. ^ "Brasside Pond" (PDF). English Nature. 1985. Retrieved 18 July 2010.