Vicarage Meadows
Set on the side of a hill in the Irfon valley, this wildflower rich meadow was once owned by the local vicarage and provided a hay crop and a place to graze horses and cows. It is a botanically rich reserve, the western meadow being a sheet of bluebells in spring and a carpet of orchids in the summer. Betony, great burnet and dyer
Pwll-y-Wrach
An ancient woodland, this reserve features a spectacular waterfall plunging into a dark pool, known as the witches pool. It is particularly beautiful in early spring when patches of wood anemones merge with a carpet of lesser celandines. The strange looking toothwort plant can be seen near the base of tree down by the river. Dormice live here, although they are unlikely to be seen
Centre of the Earth
The Centre of the Earth is the Wildlife Trust’s purpose built environmental centre in Winson Green - just 1.5 km from Birmingham City centre.
EcoPark
EcoPark is the Wildlife Trust's education centre in East Birmingham. It offers national curriculum linked environmental activities to schools across Birmingham and the Black Country. Each year thousands of young people take part in its wide and varied activities in exciting surrounds with a wide range of habitats and demonstrations of sustainability.
For more information go to www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/EcoPark
Park Hall
Park Hall is an area of remnant farmland and estate grounds on the eastern edge of Birmingham. The reserve supports a diverse range of habitats, including three ancient woodlands, grassland, wetland and a stretch of the River Tame. During spring impressive displays of bluebells, ramsons, yellow archangel and numerous other plants can be seen in the woodlands, while in the farm ponds amphibians including great crested newt, common toad and frog begin to breed. Summer breeding birds include reed bunting, teal, swan and buzzard, while in the evenings bats forage on moths and other insects.
Moseley Bog & Joy's Wood
Saved from development following a huge public campaign, Moseley Bog was the childhood playground of The Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, who lived nearby. He stated that the site inspired the 'old forest' in his books. People come from all over the world to discover his inspiration for themselves.
The site became a nature reserve and supports a tremendous range of plants, animals and insects. Especially fascinating are the gnarled old trees and the fantastic displays of bluebells each spring.
Moorcroft Wood
An unusual but attractive site, this reserve was a mix of farmland and factories until the start of the 20th century. Industrial activity ceased by 1904 when the site was bought as the recreation grounds for the convalescing patients from Moxley Hospital. The wood became abandoned as the hospital made less use of the woodland. Moxley Hospital clsoed in 1995 and the hospital site was sold for housing. As part of the sale, ownership of the wood was transferred from the West Midlands Health Authority to Walsall Council, who the Trust works closely with.
Hill Hook
Hill Hook is an outstanding site with a wide variety of habitats ranging from rough grassland, scrub and dry woodland to open water, marsh and alder carr woodland. A small stream runs from the southernmost point to feed the Mill Pool. The reserve is bordered on its eastern and western boundaries by residential development and the City boundary forms the northern boundary. To the north is a large rectangle of land comprised of small pockets of woodland, scrub, grassland and tall herb.
Barr Beacon
Barr Beacon is at one of the highest points in the West Midlands at 227m above sea level, and offers spectacular panoramic views. The site supports many species such as kestrel and song thrush. Archaeological features include the site of possible Neolithic standing stones, sadly destroyed, and mediaeval ridge and furrow. The most prominent though is a war memorial that stands on the top of the site.
Tickenham Hill
The woodland is full of bluebell and dogs mercury during the spring, and early purple orchid and moschatel (town-hall clock) are also found. The grassland areas are rich in limestone flowers including Autumn lady's tresses, Autumn gentian and salad-burnet.
Silver-washed fritillary, brown argus, dingy and grizzled skipper butterflies have been recorded.
