Discover peaceful woodlands, wetlands, and meadows at nature reserves managed by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.
From Saltwells’ ancient woodlands to the bird-filled lakes of Moseley Bog, these protected spaces offer a perfect escape into nature—right on your doorstep.
1. Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood, Moseley
Moseley Bog was the childhood playground of The Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, who lived nearby. The site inspired the 'old forest' in his books The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings. People come from all over the world to discover his inspiration for themselves. Moseley Bog Nature Reserve, Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham B13 9JX | Flickr
2. Hill Hook, Sutton Coldfield
This hidden oasis, not far from Sutton Park, is bordered by residential streets and offers a variety of habitats including grassland, scrub, and dry woodland. . In spring, the bluebells add a splash of colour to the landscape. | Flickr
3. Portway Hill
Portway Hill provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is worth a visit. Explore the park’s walking trails while taking in the vista ahead. Colonies of rare butterflies and nesting birds make this site great for wildlife enthusiasts - but it is also internationally famous for the unusual onion skin weathering on basalt which was used for kerbstones throughout Birmingham and the Black Country | Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
4. Deer's Leap Wood
Deer's Leap Wood is a wonderful mix of informal woodland, pond, boundary brook and meadow areas which have been formally designated as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC). The woodland element has also been safeguarded by being included within a group Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Roebuck Road / Arden Grange, off A4040 City Road Birmingham B16 0QG | Google