Fens Pools

Map reference: SO9188

Probably the best place for birdwatching in the Dudley area.

These three large pools originally built as canal feeders are surrounded by grassland and scrub, with the Fens Branch of the Stourbridge Canal leading southwest to Foots Hole and Buckpool Dingle. The lakes attract a range of wildfowl, especially in winter. The scrub supports breeding warblers in the spring and summer and is used for feeding by winter thrushes. The trees along the canal are good for winter finches. The area is also visited by birds on spring and autumn passage.

There is a classified list of birds for this site here.

The reserve is famous for its population of Great Crested Newts which have made it a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is also a colony of Southern Marsh Orchids.

Access: Park at the Wardens' Office at the junction of Pensnett Road and Bryce Road, Pensnett. Walk back up Pensnett Road towards Brierley Hill and turn left along the side of the canal. This is known as Wide Waters and leads to Fens Pools.

Resident: Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Reed Bunting. Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher and Green Woodpecker visit regularly.

April - September: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff.

October - March: Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Water Rail, Snipe, Fieldfare, Redwing.

Other birds which have visited in recent years:

Spring 2001: Gadwall, Hobby, Peregrine, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Sand Martin, Redstart, Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher.

Winter 2000: Wigeon, Teal, Goldeneye, Goosander, Buzzard, Woodcock, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin, Redpoll.

Autumn 2000: Green and Common Sandpipers, Common Tern, Yellow-legged Gull.

Spring 2000: Hobby, Oystercatcher, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Sedge Warbler.

Last updated 26 October 2001

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