At approximately 200 hectares, Westminster Ponds / Pond Mills Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is the largest publicly-owned ESA in London. The ESA is significant for its size and for its great variety of natural habitats within the boundaries of a major urban centre. The site is also designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland.
he ESA has three main access points with kiosks (see map on reverse) and 10 km of managed trails. Most of the trails are gently rolling, with the occasional short, steep hill. Almost all the trails are on clay or muck soils, which are very prone to becoming muddy. Boardwalks cross some lowland areas.
Please keep all pets on leash at all times when in the ESA.
Link to brochure and trail map: http://thamesriver.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022-WestminsterESA-brochure.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Middlesex CountyNearby towns and cities: London
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk
WESTMINSTER PONDS/POND MILLS characteristics
Length: 10 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks and Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Fees: None reported
Flora & Fauna:
Plant Communities:
Bordering Spettigue Pond is a very narrow, sensitive band of bog habitat, an uncommon feature in southwestern Ontario. Tamarack and Leatherleaf are among the species growing from a thick mat of peat. Nearby and in other areas of swamp forest, Red Maple, Yellow Birch, Silver Maple and American Elm dominate. The cool, shady conditions support a mixture of northern and southern plants.
Along the margin of Saunders Pond and
throughout the Dayus Creek Valley, cattails, sedges and rushes thrive in marshy areas.
The drier slopes and ridges around the ponds support typical eastern hardwood forest species. Sugar Maple, American Beech, White Ash, Basswood and Red Oak are present, as are southerly species such as Shagbark Hickory. The ESA’s largest tree, an ancient White Oak, is a recognized Heritage Tree under Trees Ontario’s Ontario Heritage Tree program. Various wildflower species bloom in the spring.
Old field, thicket and plantation sites contain many introduced plant species, but are used by a number of wildlife species.
Wildlife:
The ponds and the mixture of habitats make this site an excellent place to view wildlife. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area. It is an important stopover for migrants, with almost all the warblers, flycatchers, thrushes and finches in the London area being reported, as well as ducks, grebes, herons and other water-birds.
Summer residents include forest birds such as Great Crested Flycatcher and Wood Thrush, and open-country species such as Field Sparrow and Eastern Meadowlark. Great Horned Owl and Red-tailed Hawk also nest in the ESA.
Mammals common to urban areas may be seen in the ESA. Beaver, Coyote and White-tailed Deer are relatively recent arrivals. In wet areas, you may hear or see several frog and toad species. Turtles and snakes bask in open areas or on fallen logs, while salamanders find shelter in dark places. Several species of fish have been recorded in the ponds, although not in great numbers.
Watch for insects such as dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies, as well.
Amenities: None reported
Attractions: Boardwalk
Contact:
infoline@thamesriver.on.ca
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority 519-284-2931
Find it: The ESA is located south of Commissioners Road and east of Wellington Road, adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre, and extends eastward to Pond Mills Road.
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 42.9577790
Longitude: -81.2148790