Print pageAbout Sandwell Valley
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Image: Andy Hay
A major fire severely damaged our visitor centre in March 2010 and as a result we are currently only able to offer limited facilities on site. Our reserve is still a great place to see some very special wildlife and enjoy lovely views, so don't be put off visiting!
We now have a temporary cabin for our education work with local schools and special events, which is great news but we are unable to offer a visitor reception until our centre is rebuilt in the next couple of years. Toilets are only available when the temporary cabin is open, but toilets, refreshments and car parking are available locally at Forge Mill Farm – from where it is an enjoyable 15-minute walk to the reserve.
This oasis for wildlife is less than 5 miles from the centre of Birmingham and as you stroll around the reserve it's hard to believe you're so close to where the M6 and M5 motorways join!
You'll find the hedgerows full of finches and thrushes in winter and warblers in summer, including whitethroats and blackcaps. From the Lakeside hide you can see flocks of ducks, geese and swans and wading birds all year-round. Staff and volunteers will point out wigeons, pochards, tufted ducks, geese and little ringed plovers.
Our nature reserve stands at the eastern entrance to Sandwell Valley and is a great starting point for exploring this unique wildlife corridor whichs runs all the way through to West Bromwich town centre.
The valley has 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 car parks are closed on Mondays but the reserve is still accessible to pedestrians. The car parks and Lakeside hide are open from 10.30 am to lunchtime Tuesday to Friday and over weekends from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, subject to staff and volunteer availability. Please phone to confirm before making a special journey.
Entrance charges
None
If you are new to birdwatching...
This is a great place to see birds all year-round: winter ducks, geese and swans and summer warblers plus migrant birds. Regular events provide informative insights to the flora and fauna found in Sandwell Valley.
Information for families
Baby Birds: Parent and toddler group for pre-school children and their carers takes place every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 noon and from 1 pm through to 3 pm.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a lead.