The Stourbridge canal links Buckpool dingle and the Fens Pools. The pools are the focus of the site, being the largest area of open water in Dudley. The pools are an important site for migrating and over-wintering waterfowl. Ducks, Shoveler and Gadwall are also attracted to the watery site. Rare visitors include some breeding birds, like the Mute Swan and Great Crested Glebe, utilising the bushy forestry areas that line the edges of the pools for nesting. The smaller ponds north of the pools are also home to an abundance of wildlife, toads, frogs, insects and newts. The pools house the largest numbers of the Great Crested Newt in the U.K, although sadly on the decline in recent years.
The land is surrounded by shrubbery, mosaic scrub and pioneer vegetation. This great richness has been developed upon the abandoned wastelands left from the coal and iron industries. The areas have some tarmac and un-managed paths (gravel/dirt tracks) with a selection of seating benches. The pools are the focus of outstanding scenery, they have water based bird resting platforms and raised land based feeder platforms. So the area is idea for bird watching. The hilly contours, off setting remarkable views than set panoramic photography and artist opportunities, as well as, for pure enjoyment purposes. There are areas of many unusual plants, such as Ploughman's Spike, Blue Fleabane and Musk Thistle. There are shaded and un-shaded grasslands, these are a hub of environmental activity, much of which may be based upon marsh lands.
