Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you are planning on travelling distance to attractions, we would recommend that you contact the venues directly in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you, or any of your party have a new persistant cough, or develop a fever of 38C, we would instead advise you to use the NHS's dedicated website for professional advice.

RSPB Sandwell Valley Reserve

Sandwell Valley nature reserve is a great starting point for exploring this unique wildlife corridor, all the way through to West Bromwich town centre. The reserve is in the north-east corner of Sandwell Valley Country Park. You can enjoy hedgerows full of wildlife, watch flocks of ducks, geese, swans and lapwings from the comfy Lakeside Lookout, or simply take in the valley and Forge Mill Lake views.The valley has large areas of woodland, meadows, pools and streams, as well as two working farms (with visitor centres) and a network of trails, so there's lots to see and do here all year-round.Nature's Reach, our new visitor centre, is part of the Breathing New Life into Sandwell Valley project, made possible due to generous funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust, Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust and other Charitable Trusts.Thanks to Kartar Consulting, IMB Architects, Building Services Design and The Baynham Meikle Partnership, who have generously shared their skill and creativity.
The visitor centre and car park are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm between April-September, and from 10 am to 4 pm between October-March.The reserve is accessible to pedestrians at all times. The Lakeside viewpoint is open from 10.30 am until lunchtime, Wednesdays to Fridays, and from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm at weekends, subject to staff and volunteer availability. Please telephone to confirm before making a special journey.
It costs £3 to park in the visitor centre car park for non-members (members park for free). Entrance is free for everyone.
This is a great place to see birds all year-round: winter ducks, geese and swans and summer warblers plus migrant birds. Regular events provide informative insights to the flora and fauna found in Sandwell Valley.
We can give you self-led family activities to use. The Baby Birds parent and toddler group for pre-school children and their carers takes place every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 noon and from 1 pm through to 3 pm.
Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a lead.

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