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Wild Isles – Making nature accessible in the West Midlands

Wild Isles – Making nature accessible in the West Midlands  

Has Wild Isles inspired you to get out and see a starling murmuration for yourself?  Urban nature experiences are closer than you think, and at the RSPB, we are committed to making reserves as welcoming and easy to access as possible. Everyone belongs in nature and we need everyone to help us protect it if we are going to protect our Wild Isles. Starlings are among the most common garden birds, but their UK population has halved since 1995 and without our help, things are only going to get worse. Find out how you can start your nature journey with us at Sandwell Valley. 

                                                                                          credit line: Andy Purcell (rspb-images.com)

What nature spectacles can I see at Sandwell Valley  

RSPB Sandwell Valley is a popular stop for some rare and exciting visitors. As a neighbour to Sandwell Valley Country Park, the nature reserve is surrounded by an oasis of green that is easy to get to. Lapwing and Oystercatchers can be watched from the calm of the hide, which overlooks the lake. RSPB Sandwell Valley offers hands on nature discovery activies, such as pond dipping (starting Easter holidays) where you can get down and scoop out some interesting creatures from the ponds. you could get lucky and spot a Newt or some speedy Water Striders.  

Hidden away in urban streets, RSPB Sandwell Valley may be a small reserve but there is lots to see. Spring brings Lapwings breed on the islands and you may be pleased to see their chicks. The hot summer months will fill the air with birdsong including Chiffchaff and it is a delight to see Swifts dart into the specially designed Swift nesting bricks in the visitor centre.  

What are the RSPB doing to make this reserve welcoming to everyone?   

Schools on reserve programme-  

  • RSPB Sandwell’s Schools on Reserves programme is massively popular and it’s an important way for children to connect to nature. Groups of school children explore the reserve with bug hunting or pond-dipping equipment on hand, guided by our team of education experts. The programme always seems to be booked up and teachers gush about how much fun and  how much the students have learned. It's really important for the RSPB to nurture a love and passion for nature in children who can hopefully cling onto that well into adulthood. 

  • Diversity of volunteers- nothing quite shows the appeal and welcome of RSPB Sandwell valley than the diversity of its volunteers. People of all ages and backgrounds fill a vast number of different volunteer roles, from your classic conservation work party to helping out with the toddler and mums group. The reserve is located in the perfect location to be accessible to many. It is in an urban hotspot and reached easily by those living in Birmingham and the Black Country. If you’re thinking of gaining volunteering experience and not sure where to start, speak to the RSPB Sandwell Valley team who can help you find a role to suit your exisiting skills!

  • The team at RSPB Sandwell Valley are always happy to meet and chat with visitors. A lovely volunteer or member of staff will always be happy to share the excitement of spotting some Cormorants from the hide or passionately discussing the species that visitors can catch a glimpse of. It's really important for visitors to feel welcome and perhaps learn a little, so they always know that they can access this nature oasis. Spending time in nature is proven to be good for both physical and mental health, so everyone can benefit from spending time in nature and on the reserve, even if you don’t know much about birds!  

 

What do other visitors say about Sandwell Valley?  

Visiting Sandwell valley for the first time is always a nice surprise. One visitor recalls the first time they came to the site: “Because the reserve is located in a busy urban area, you really go from the sound of traffic to the peaceful song of birds in an instant. I never knew such a nice bit of nature could be right there on my doorstep. Sitting in the hide for the first time and watching the birds from the quiet from the hide right there overlooking the lake was unexpectedly peaceful. There’s always someone to help tell you what you just spotted out on the water or share your enthusiasm about seeing an Oystercatcher. I always love to recommend Sandwell to people to visit as it's so easy to get to. You often think nature is far removed from us living in the city but this reserve really proves that we can so easily have nature hotspots right next to us.”  

 

Connecting to nature has benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, and even if you don’t live near to a RSPB Reserve, there are plenty of ways to connect to the Nature on your Doorstep -  https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/connect-with-nature/ https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/rspb-england/posts/nature-prescriptions-england 

If you want to help the Starlings in your garden, you find out how to create a cosy home for them here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/create-a-cosy-starling-home/