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Sandwell Valley

Sandwell Valley
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About Sandwell Valley

Male bullfinch

You can escape for an hour or two to at this oasis for wildlife, less than 5 miles from the centre of Birmingham. There are bird feeders right outside the visitor centre, so you can get close-up views of lots of different garden birds.

As you walk around, you'll find the hedgerows full of finches and thrushes in winter and warblers in summer, including whitethroats and lesser whitethroats. From the lakeside hide you can see flocks of ducks, geese and swans and wading birds all year around. Staff and volunteers will point out wigeons, pochards, tufted ducks, geese and little ringed plovers.

Children will enjoy the interactive displays in the award-winning visitor centre, and there are regular events you can participate in including Birdwatching Basics, which is aimed at beginners.

Our nature reserve is a great starting point for exploring the wider Sandwell Valley Country Park. With acres of woodlands, meadows, pools and streams, as well as two working farms (with visitor centres) and a network of trails, there’s much to see and do here at all times of the year.

Opening times

The visitor centre, car parks and wheelchair access are open from 9 am-5 pm from Tuesday to Friday and 10 am-5 pm on Saturday and Sunday (closes at dusk in winter). Reserve - open at all times; hide - we aim to open it from 10.30 am-3.30 pm every day except Mondays (please phone to confirm before making a special journey); visitor centre - Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Entrance charges

None

If you are new to birdwatching...

Birds all year round, winter ducks, geese and swans and summer warblers plus passage birds. Regular events (approximately 2 per month) including Bird Watching Basics aimed at newcomers.

Information for families

Baby Birds: Parent and toddler group for pre-school children and their carers. Wildlife Explorer group for 8-12 year olds.

Information for dog owners

Dogs are allowed anywhere. They must be kept on a lead.

Sandwell Valley is 25. Come and celebrate!

Contact us

0121 357 7395

Nearest town: West Bromwich, West Midlands

Grid reference: SP035928

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.