[IanF]

Straddling the A178 Seaton Carew Road, one mile north of Haverton Hill, these ponds form part of a complex of open water areas on some very low lying areas, just a few inches above sea level. Some of the ponds are freshwater and others brackish.

Due to the importance of the area for resident and migrating wetland species the whole area is currently subject to a major development, the Teesside International Bird Reserve, which will take several years to complete. Earthworks are ongoing, but don't detract too much from viewing the site at the moment.

All of the ponds attract a wide variety of aquatic birds throughout the year, with regular occurrences of rarities such as Great White Egret, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Black Necked and Red Necked Grebes. The surrounding marsh and scrubland contain such delights as Grasshopper Warblers and Merlins are sighted regularly. Whatever the time of year you visit there is always something to see.

Saltholme Ponds themselves comprise three main ponds, though they are surrounded by numerous small ponds and wet areas. Saltholme East and West Ponds are the most obvious as they straddle the A178. Saltholme Back Pond is behind the West Pond and cannot be approached on foot. It is only viewable with a decent scope. The A178 is a very busy road at times, but cars can be park in the large bus lay-bys opposite each other at the southern end of the ponds. Viewing of the north side of the ponds is best done by walking along the grass verges. The higher vantage point offers excellent views.

The East Pond is lined with reeds almost the whole way around which affords protection and nesting sites to a wide range of birds. The large bus lay-by on the south bound side of the road is an excellent place to view this pond. Birds can be seen all over the pond, but I find that divers seem to like the area directly in front of the lay-by and alongside the road, which is handy as the sun is always to your right or behind you giving good lighting. Good close-up views can often be gained from here. A scope is needed to view the rest of the pond. Closer views can also be gained by walking along the verge to the north end of the pond, but as there is little natural protection, so spooking them is quite easy. Great Crested Grebe nest in the reeds a few feet from the roadside on either side of the road at this end of both ponds.

The West Pond is best viewed from the north side lay-by, which is screened by a hedge, providing a natural hide. Birds are again found all over the pond. Really you need a scope to see them all properly. The area by the lay-by is a popular resting / feeding area for the birds and affords good close views. These shots were taken from the lay-by.
Common Teal
Reed Bunting

Other notable ponds very close by are Dormans Pool and Reclamation Pond which lie behind Saltholme East Pond off the ICI North Tees access road. Dormans Pool can be viewed from the public road and annually attracts notable species such Spoonbill and Egrets. There is a hide and a viewing point opposite it which doubles as a location to see the Reclamation Pond, but access if only by permit available from Teesmouth Bird Club.