Plantsbrook Nature Reserve

Nature reserve

Explorer Tom

Plantsbrook Nature Reserve nearly became a hole full of rubbish. Instead, Birmingham kept four pools, woodland and meadow alive in the middle of Erdington, and the herons now have considerably better taste in neighbours. Follow the waterside paths and you will see why local people fought to keep this place green. A large original pool once served a forge, then Victorian reservoirs supplied drinking water. The pools were drained for landfill in 1978, but a local campaign helped the city buy the land. A nature reserve opened in 1985 and gained local nature reserve status in 1991. Today more than 26 acres hold open water, wetland, wildflower meadow and woodland along the Plantsbrook wildlife corridor. The change from planned landfill to bird habitat is quite a turn for a patch of city ground. Use the boardwalks and mostly firm paths to circle the four pools. Watch for herons, other water birds and smaller aquatic life among the margins. Shaded sections make a useful contrast with open meadow, while ranger activities sometimes include pond dipping. There is no need to poke a stick into every puddle yourself; leave the creatures and their cover where they belong. The main entrance is off Eachelhurst Road opposite Pype Hayes Park, down a signed track, with free parking there. Nearby buses also serve the area. Birmingham City Council lists no toilets on site, so plan accordingly. Paths are generally surfaced but can be wet around water and woodland. The reserve is a public place for a gentle, attentive walk.

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.

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Map note: Plantsbrook Nature Reserve appears on the map as a nature reserve near Tyburn, Birmingham, England. If the name sparks an outdoor daydream, start with the map.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w77387484