Places to see birds

Wyre Forest

The Wyre Forest is one of the best surviving native woodlands in Britain. It straddles the Worcester Shropshire border and covers around 6,000 acres, much as a national nature reserve. There is birding interest all year round, but the forest is at its best in the spring.

For a pleasant walk park at the bottom of Dry Mill Lane (SO 772763). To find this take the B4190 Tenbury Wells road up the hill out of Bewdley. After just less than a mile turn right into Lakes Road, then left into Dry Mill Lane. Bear right, taking the road downhill into the forest, turning left into a parking area at the bottom. From here you can follow the old railway track to the west, or go down the hill slightly and follow Dowles Brook in the same direction. A circular walk is possible by taking the track that joins Knowles Mill, an old cottage about a mile down Knowles Brook to a house with old bridge on the railway track. In spring expect to find Pied Flycatchers in nest boxes along this track, Redstarts around the house and bridge, and Tree Pipits and Wood Warblers along the railway track. Dippers, Grey Wagtails and Kingfisher all breed on the brook. With luck an elusive Hawfinch or Lesser Spotted Woodpecker may come your way. Other common woodland birds such as Nuthatch and Treecreeper can be found all year round. In the summer the railway track can be good for Silver Washed Fritillary butterflies, always an impressive sight.