Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Nature Reserves

The borough has seven Local Nature Reserves and one National Nature Reserve, all designated for their important features. They are open 7 days a week. They include Saltwells LNR, Buckpool and Fens Pools LNR, Barrow Hill LNR, Cotwall End Valley LNR, Bumble Hole LNR and Wren's Nest LNR and NNR.

Buckpool and Fens Pools Nature Reserve

As the largest area of open water in Dudley, the Fens Pools are important for migrating and over-wintering waterfowl, regularly attracting ducks such as Shoveler and Gadwall. The smaller ponds north of the Pools are the habitat of huge numbers of frogs, toads and newts, including the Great Crested Newt which has sadly declined in numbers in Britain in recent years.

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Barrow Hill Local Nature Reserve

Barrow Hill is one of the most significant and well-loved areas of green space in the Borough. It supports our largest and most diverse area of grassland, ancient woodland, ponds with populations of Great Crested Newt and other important habitats and species.

:: More on Barrow Hill Local Nature Reserve

Saltwells Local Nature Reserve

Lady Dudley planted Saltwells Wood in the eighteenth century to hide the scars of coal mining. Within the wood is Doulton's Claypit with spectacular cliffs showing a section through the rocks of the Middle and Lower Coal Measures.

:: More on Saltwells Nature Reserve

Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve

Wren's Nest is of international importance for its geology and is visited and studied by geologists from all over the world. Over 400 million years ago the area where Dudley now stands was covered by coral reefs and tropical seas.

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Cotwall End Local Nature Reserve

Cotwall End Local Nature Reserve Cotwall End Local Nature Reserve Cotwall End Local Nature Reserve

Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan

The Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) was produced in 2000 by the Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Partnership. It is currently under review to bring it in line with the recent national changes.

It identifies the priorities for wildlife conservation in the area. It also sets targets to safeguard and enhance this for future generations.

To go to the Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) website for further information.

Black Country Geodiversity Action Plan

The Black Country Geodiversity Action Plan (LGAP) was produced in 2006 by the Black Country Geodiversity Partnership.

It identifies the priorities for the conservation of geology in the area. It also sets actions to safeguard and enhance this for future generations.

This document is available to download at the bottom of the page. You will need Adobe Acrobat 6 reader or above to view this document.