Things to do in West Midlands, England: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

Our aim is to provide our clients with individualised, exhilarating falconry experiences, working in companionship with trained birds of prey over a range of beautiful rural landscapes. These include opportunities to join us for Hawk Walks, where our fully trained hawks and knowledgeable handlers will allow you to witness the marvels of flight close up in small, intimate groups, where the emphasis is very much on clients handling and flying the birds. We also offer photography days and full hunting days with goshawks, peregrine falcons and Harris' hawks.

Our nature reserve stands at the eastern entrance to Sandwell Valley and is a great starting point for exploring this unique wildlife corridor running all the way through to West Bromwich town centre. You'll find the hedgerows full of finches and thrushes in winter and warblers in summer. From the Lakeside hide you can see flocks of ducks, geese and swans and wading birds all year-round. Facilities: Visitor centre Car park : The main visitor centre car park is accessed via a Tarmac road with some quite severe speed bumps. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and has spaces for 30 vehicles. Toilets Disabled toilets Baby-changing facilities Picnic area Group bookings accepted Good for walking Pushchair friendly Refreshments available: Hot drinks Cold drinks Snacks

5 acres of sensory sensitive parklands with animals of all shapes and sizes and lots of autism friendly aspects throughout the whole site. Sensory Park Trust we provide a unique experience for young people and adults on the Autistic Spectrum: a meaningful, working life on a beautiful, small wildlife sanctuary in Wolverhampton.

Moseley is a fantastic part of Birmingham with its farmers and arts markets, but what makes it particularly special and unique is having at its centre, the Park and Pool. This historic park, with some 300 years of history, is run by a charitable trust. The Park was originally a major part of the gardens of the Moseley Hall estate which were designed by the famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.

Delivering a sense of wilderness within an urban environment, visitors to Sutton Park can enjoy the captivating scenery, using an accessible network of paths.There are opportunities to enjoy walking, jogging, angling, nature watching, orienteering, play areas, restaurants and use bridle paths and cycling routes in the Park. Car parks are located at all the main entrances and the Park is linked to a variety of public transport routes.Sutton Park is an historic landscape that covers an area of over 2,000 acres and attracts over two million visits every year.In 1997, English Nature designated Sutton Park a National Nature Reserve and it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).Lying six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre this landscape is a mosaic of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and seven lakes each with their own rich variety of plants and wildlife, some rarely seen in the region. It is an important site for wildlife and conservation, containing fine examples of natural countryside that have survived for hundreds of years. These habitats are part of a working grazed landscape where cattle and wild ponies can be seen grazing during the year.This park is a natural area where animals roam freely. Please wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.

Saltwells National Nature Reserve is a huge piece of the countryside in the heart of the urban Black Country. It is home to a spectacular bluebell wood, wildflower covered grasslands and nationally protected historical and geological features. It is a place to discover hidden sculptures and also stand back and enjoy some stunning vistas. Saltwells is a nature reserve that has been firmly rooted in its community for generations and, thanks to the UNESCO Global Black Country Geopark, it also now spreads its unique natural riches to visitors from across the world. So it is a place for everyone from the dog walker from just around the corner to the globetrotting scientist to visit and enjoy. With way-marked trails and a network of paths you can choose how far you want to discover today and which areas to explore next time you come.

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre is the headquarters of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Set in 220 acres, the Reserve, consists of large pools created by gravel extraction. The Visitor Centre is a great place to visit including a Tea Room and well stocked gift shop. Around the Centre you'll find the orchard, mouse maze, mini-beast homes, bird watching hides, recycled garden and a newly designed sensory garden (link to sensory garden project page) as well as an under-cover picnic area. Then it's off to the Onyx Nature Trail which guides you around the wildlife habitats of the nature reserve. The Reserve This reserve contains large areas of pools created by gravel extraction. It consists of reedbeds, willow carr, grassland and woodland. It is outstanding for birds and there are seven bird hides throughout the reserve. Gift Shop and Badgers Tearoom At the end of your visit what could be nicer than a cup of tea or snack in our 'Badgers' Tea Room and a leisurely browse around our gift shop. The shop is well stocked with animal homes, bird seed, bird feeders and an extensive range of gifts and books. The tearoom serves a variety of hot and cold beverages, fresh cakes, and a comprehensive menu of snacks and meals. The Education Centre Brandon Marsh Nature Centre includes the Lafarge Education Centre - a purpose-built classroom, home to School Visits to Brandon for a variety of curriculum-related activities. We also have children's activities during the school holidays, and even Really Wild Birthday Parties! For grown-ups we also have a programme of Events and guided walks. The Sensory Garden After 1500 volunteer hours, the first chapter in the story of how our garden grew is complete with the official opening of the Sensory Garden at Brandon Marsh Visitor Centre on 19th May 2012.