Forge Mill Lake

Forge Mill Lake Local Nature Reserve is centred around a large lake alongside the River Tame and is located within Sandwell Valley Country Park. Pathways, a cycleway and bridleway lead from the lake to other areas of grassland and young woodland. Hedgerows and areas of scrub link these habitats to provide a rich and varied place for wildlife, which is some 63 hectares in size.

A footpath runs around the lake to provide access routes to the Sandwell Valley RSPB Reserve.

For more information contact 0121 569 3070

Wildlife

The lake is an excellent place to see a variety of wildfowl and other species. Lapwings, little ringed plovers (and in 2007 and 2008, oystercatchers) breed on the lake alongside moorhens, coots, mallards, mute swans, Canada geese and great crested grebes.

In winter, goosander, shoveler, wigeon, teal, pochard, lapwing, snipe and water rail are all present alongside the more common species. In Spring and autumn, many migrants pass through and there is always the chance of a rarity turning up. Numerous butterflies and dragonflies can be seen around the Reserve during the summer and the Reserve also hosts an abundance of other insect species.

Foxes and grey squirrels are two of the most common mammals on the Reserve, although water voles may be seen along the river or on the lake.

In Spring and summer, wild flowers are much in evidence with cowslips, ramsons and southern marsh orchids amongst the many species to be seen.

Location

The Reserve is situated off Forge Lane, West Bromwich, B71 3SZ, close to Forge Mill Farm. There are several pedestrian access points, including from Newton Road and Tanhouse Avenue, or from the RSPB Reserve.
Facilties

There is a visitor centre at Forge Mill Farm, open from 10.00am - 4.30pm throughout the year (entrance is free). This is a working dairy farm and includes a farm shop selling local produce, as well as hot and cold drinks. For further information contact 0121 588 7210.

Parking

The main car park for the Reserve, which is open during daylight hours, is off Forge Lane, West Bromwich.
Transport

A number of buses run along Newton Road, from where it is about a quarter of a mile walk to Forge Mill Lake. Buses also run close to the RSPB Reserve. For further information, contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33

Disabled Access

A wheelchair friendly kissing gate leads from the car park onto the Reserve. Some footpaths around the Reserve are suitable for wheelchairs, although some become difficult in wet conditions.

Opening

The site is open to the public at all times.