NATURE RESERVE
Our Reserve
Adjacent to the centre is a 14ha. nature reserve, the site of a former sand and gravel quarry. It includes a range of post-industrial landscape features such as former settling ponds, a shallow reservoir, embankments and tracks. This has resulted in a developing mosaic of habitats: woodland, scrub, small areas of flower-rich grassland, reedbeds and shallow open water.
WGRT has a working relationship with the West Midlands Bird Club and the local RSPB group. The WMBC organise an annual Bioblitz in the summer, a ‘Nestbox and open nest breeding birds’ survey, a ‘Birds heard and seen’ report and have supported WGRT to put in an additional wildlife pond and infrastructure such as gates and steps onto the reserve.
The local RSPB group conduct ‘Breeding season bird surveys’ and regular volunteer conservation work parties. The site has a long history of bird ringing and there is an active Wildgoose ringing group, whose reports can be found in the ecological data section.
The reserve is managed by WGRT staff, our students and volunteers, supported by community and volunteer group work parties. The focus of the management work is to maintain and enhance the range of habitats, which will continue to support a correspondingly wide variety of wildlife species.
Reserve Opening Times
The opening times for our nature reserve are as follows
Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm
All we ask is that visitors keep to the designated paths, which can often be muddy. We also cannot permit public access to the site outside of these times. There are no public rights of way on the nature reserve.
No dogs are permitted on our reserve. However they are more than welcome to visit out visitor centre and tea room "Bonnies", which serve meals and refreshments for all of our visitors.
Bonnies opening times are as follows:
Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm
We look forward to welcoming you!
Volunteer Days 2022/23
Conservation works parties are starting again on our nature reserve, taking place on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome to come along and get stuck in, helping to support some of the most important habitats in the local area.
Dates:
October 8th
November 12th
December 10th
January 14th
February 11th
Each session runs from 10am-3pm
Please ensure you bring gloves, sturdy boots and lunch with you
(Our cafe will also be open on the day)
