Bomb Ponds
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Bomb Ponds
The bomb ponds formed when a Luftwaffe pilot dropped some bombs in 1942 during the Second World War, while flying over Chopwell Wood. The bombs were probably intended for industrial targets such as at Consett, or Vickers Armstrong factory in Newcastle.
The deep craters filled with rainwater and since that time the ponds have attracted a range of pond life, including plants, insects, and several species of dragonfly and damselfly. There are also frogs and three species of newt. The ponds have been designated as a site of nature conservation importance.
It has also been proposed that the riverside in Chopwell Wood should be designated a site of special scientific interest due to the old oak and yew trees which grow on the sandstone cliffs above the river. There are also ferns and liverwort here, and these sandstone cliffs provide habitat for wildlife.
Questions
- What was the Luftwaffe?
- What industrial target was in Consett?
- What did the Vickers Armstrong factory in Newcastle make?
- What is the difference between a damselfly and a dragonfly?
- Name three species of newt.
- What do the letters SNCI stand for?
- What do the letters SSSI stand for?
- What river flows along the edge of Chopwell Wood?
Answer – the former German air force.
Answer – the steel works then owned by the Consett Iron Company.
Answer – tanks and other armaments.
Answer – a dragonfly is bigger and a stronger flyer. Also, dragonflies rest with their wings out; damselflies with their wings folded.
Answer – smooth newt, common newt, great crested newt.
Answer – Site of Nature Conservation Importance.
Answer – Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Answer – River Derwent.
