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Nestled within the beautiful River Tame valley, just south of Tamworth in Staffordshire/Warwickshire, Middleton Lakes has become a new RSPB nature reserve due to open to the public in 2010.
The 160 hectare site is a former Hanson Aggregates gravel quarry adjacent to Middleton Hall and between the River Tame and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.
About half the land has been acquired by the RSPB from Hanson, through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the remainder has been provided as part of an earlier planning agreement between Staffordshire County Council and Hanson.
Hanson's quarrying ended during 2007 and the RSPB is working with the company to ensure that the final restoration benefits birds, wildlife and visitors. The area is already regionally important for overwintering wildfowl such as pochards, tufted ducks and smews.
By 2015, Middleton Lakes will become the most important site for breeding waders in the West Midlands region and adjoining counties of the East Midlands. Its lakes, reedbeds, meadows and woodlands will make it one of the best birdwatching sites in the area.
Other wildlife of conservation importance includes otters, water voles, wetland plants, and insects such as dragonflies.
Contact information
Middleton Lakes
Telephone: 01827 259454
E-mail: middletonlakes@rspb.org.uk
Map
Important note
This site is one of several that due to its size, location and/or conservation sensitivity is not capable of accommodating visitors (unless stated).
Where possible, we have indicated the nearest equivalent RSPB nature reserve suitable for visiting. If you require further information, please use the contact details provided.
This does not affect any statutory rights of access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act or Land Reform (Scotland) Act legislation.