Brine Field

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Brine Field

Path at RSPB reserve, Saltholme The grit and gravel-surfaced path connects the main area of the reserve, ahead in the image, with the more remote parts around Haverton Pools and Allotment Pool. The RSPB maintains a number of habitat types on the site, the main one being wetland, with pools and reedbeds, but grassed areas too as seen in the image. — Path at RSPB reserve, Saltholme Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Brine Field, Durham (Downs, Moorland) is a vast expanse of brine-impregnated peatland located in the northeastern region of England. It stretches over an area of approximately 4,000 acres, offering a unique and captivating landscape to visitors.

The field is characterized by its distinctive terrain, consisting of low-lying moorland, undulating downs, and expansive salt marshes. This diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an important habitat for biodiversity conservation.

One of the most remarkable features of Brine Field is its high salt content, resulting from the slow evaporation of brine deposits over thousands of years. This unique quality has given rise to the growth of halophytic vegetation, which thrives in high-salt environments. Visitors can witness the stunning sight of salt-tolerant plants, such as thrift, sea lavender, and sea aster, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.

The field is also home to several species of birds, including curlews, lapwings, and redshanks, which are attracted to the rich feeding grounds provided by the brine-infused soil. Ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts often flock to Brine Field to observe these avian species in their natural habitat.

In addition to its ecological significance, Brine Field holds historical importance. The field was once utilized for salt production, with evidence of medieval salt pans scattered across its expanse. These remnants serve as a reminder of the region's industrial past.

Overall, Brine Field, Durham (Downs, Moorland) offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Brine Field Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.609321/-1.208496 or Grid Reference NZ5124. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path at RSPB reserve, Saltholme

The grit and gravel-surfaced path connects the main area of the reserve, ahead in the image, with the more remote parts around Haverton Pools and Allotment Pool. The RSPB maintains a number of habitat types on the site, the main one being wetland, with pools and reedbeds, but grassed areas too as seen in the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Saltholme Hide at RSPB reserve

The Saltholme Hide is one of those at the RSPB nature reserve at the site of the same name. The hide has been rebuilt, at least in part, with an upper storey being added in recent times. Oliver Dixon's image from January 2014 shows it as it was previously - Link .

Trevor Littlewood

Car park at RSPB reserve

The car park is at the RSPB's reserve at Saltholme. The grey vehicle to the right and a number of others are parked beneath a canopy which was thought to be simply a form of sheltering but its roof is actually covered with electricity-generating solar panels. There are two such structures in the car park.

Trevor Littlewood

Moving the tern rafts

At the RSPB reserve at Saltholme the raft is being moved to the edge of the lake by the hand over hand hauling of a rope by the two individuals upon it. It had been moored out in the water as a platform for the nesting of terns and with the breeding season being past it no longer needed to be exposed there.

Trevor Littlewood

Oil storage depot, Port Clarence

David Robinson

Billingham Community Fire Station

Set among the marshes and sprawling petro-chemical industries of Billingham.

David Robinson

Pipelines, Saltholme, Billingham

David Robinson

Cowpen Marsh

Wetland nature reserve sharing north Teesside with the sprawling chemical industries.

David Robinson

Pipeline near Cowpen Marsh

David Robinson

Abandoned, single railway track crossing roadway

The road at the left side of the image is the main route into the huge extent of chemical industries on Teesside; it enters the complex at a roundabout where the A1185 and A178 meet. For much of that route a disused and overgrown single-track railway runs parallel to the road. Here the track crosses a side road where the rails are embedded and polished; generally they are heavily rusted as in this image from nearby - Link .

Trevor Littlewood