England · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in West Midlands
Explore these places for wildlife in West Midlands. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Sandwell Valley
Near West Bromwich, with the RSPB entrance at Great Barr
- Habitat
- A lake, marshes, wildflower meadows and woodland within the wider Sandwell Valley.
- Wildlife to look for
- Lapwing, reed bunting, reed warbler (spring–summer), kingfisher.
02 / 05
Saltwells National Nature Reserve
Near Brierley Hill, near Dudley
- Habitat
- Ancient woodland, flower-rich grassland, ponds and former clay pits.
- Wildlife to look for
- Great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper, jay, nuthatch.
03 / 05
Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood
Near Moseley, Birmingham
- Habitat
- Wet woodland, fen, drier woodland and small meadow areas.
- Wildlife to look for
- Great spotted woodpecker, buzzard, common pipistrelle bat (warmer evenings).
04 / 05
Fens Pools
Near Pensnett, near Dudley
- Habitat
- Three large pools surrounded by smaller ponds, grassland and scrub.
- Wildlife to look for
- Great crested grebe, kingfisher, shoveler (mainly autumn–winter), great crested newt (spring–summer; elusive), ruddy darter dragonfly (summer–early autumn).
05 / 05
Hill Hook
Near Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield
- Habitat
- An old mill pool linked to streams, wet woodland, scrub and wildflower meadows.
- Wildlife to look for
- Great crested grebe, grey wagtail, great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, goosander (winter).