Sandwell Valley

• About Sandwell Valley
• Star species
• Seasonal highlights
• Events
• Facilities
• Accessibility
• How to get here
• Our work here
• Visitor book
• Map
• School visits

About Sandwell Valley

Escape for an hour or two to this oasis for wildlife, less than five miles from Birmingham city centre. With feeders right outside the visitor centre, you can enjoy close-up views of a wide variety of 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. On the lake and surrounding marsh, flocks of waterfowl and wading birds can be seen all year round. 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 we run regular events including Bird Watching Basics aimed at newcomers.

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. 'Little Owls' WEX group for 5 - 7yrs. WEX group for 5 - 12yrs. Phoenix group for teenagers.

Information for dog owners

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

Contact us

About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. More...

Contact us

Visit our Contact us section for telephone numbers, office addresses and more.

Latest news

Vote for Henry!

A Wiltshire farmer is competing for the title of the nation’s favourite, in a competition aimed at recognising those doing the most for the UK’s wildlife.

Gardens not always rosy for wildlife

The RSPB is warning gardeners of the potential wildlife hazards lurking in their gardens.

Report highlights biofuels shambles

Less than 20 per cent of biofuels are meeting basic environmental standards, the Renewables Fuels Agency (RFA) has admitted today.

More news...

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