IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Russell Avenue, NOTTINGHAM, NG8 2BP

Russell Avenue from the gate into the Nature Reserve: the end of our walk. See http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/www/greenspaces/Docs/MartinsPondmap.pdf for a map of the site. Previous image: Image

The new gates were installed in July 2020; created with local children from Fernwood School and Artist Richard Janes.

Looking east towards Nottingham city centre along the A609, a busy exit route from Nottingham. This tree lined road looks very quiet at 4.30 pm but just you wait until 5 o'clock! The road to the left is Russell Avenue which gives access to Martin's Pond Nature Reserve: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/728288

A valuable natural reserve surrounded by housing developments.

Martin's Pond is a bio-diverse 4 hectare site on the western side of the city of Nottingham. It is important because it is an example of Natural Succession demonstrating varied habitats, (see http://www.bgs.ac.uk/eqr/Nat_Succession.htm for an explanation of this). The Nature Reserve, which was created in 1974, is managed to retain the status quo and is thus home to a wide variety of species. See http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/www/greenspaces/martinspond.asp for more information and a down loadable map. Follow the sequence of images to join me in my walk round the pond. Next image:Image

Looking east from the viewpoint in the previous two images towards open water and our starting point; the gate to Russell Avenue. Note the green on the weeping willow on the right; this appears to be the first of the various willow species in the nature reserve to break into leaf. See http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/www/greenspaces/Docs/MartinsPondmap.pdf for a map of the site. Previous image: Image, next image: Image

An overflow stream from Martin's Pond flows through Harrison's Plantation eventually feeding into the lake at Wollaton Park. The stream and the associated wetland is a breeding ground for toads, frogs and newts as well as attracting many types of bird. See http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/nottinghamshire/reserves/Harrison's%20Plantation.htm Previous image Image, next image Image

The stream from the outflow of Martin's Pond meanders through the trees providing a damp environment for frogs and toads. Thought to be the site of medieval stew ponds linking Martin's Pond and Raleigh Pond the Nature Reserve is managed by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust for the owners, Nottingham City Council. See http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/nottinghamshire/reserves/Harrison's%20Plantation.htm Previous image Image, next image Image