MARSH LANE NATURE RESERVE
Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, located at Berkswell between Solihull and Coventry, sits within the floodplain of the River Blythe, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, located at Berkswell between Solihull and Coventry, sits within the floodplain of the River Blythe, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
MARSH LANE NATURE RESERVE
The site was formerly quarried by RMC Aggregates Western (now part of CEMEX), with sand and gravel extraction taking place over 75 acres between 1995 and 1999.
Following the end of quarrying, the land was carefully restored in partnership between RMC Aggregates and Packington Estate. The Reserve now features:
- Three main pools, including a reedbed
- Woodland, grassland, ponds, and retained agricultural land
Two of the pools have been shaped with islands to attract breeding and migratory waders and have proven very successful in doing so.
Eight bird hides provide excellent views of the pools and islands, all linked by hard-surfaced paths. A car park is available within the Reserve’s locked gates.
Accessibility:
- Paths are made from compacted planings, reasonably firm but unbound
- Wheelchair users may need assistance
- Seats inside hides can be moved to allow wheelchair access to the viewing slots
The Reserve connects via a network of public footpaths to local countryside, including Bradnocks Marsh.
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES
To become a member or apply for access, please refer to the information on the Packington Estate website or get in touch at: thereserve@packingtonestate.co.uk
WET GRASSLANDS
In May 2010, with support from Natural England, a 16-acre area of former arable land was transformed into wet grassland, with scrapes and small seasonal pools, ideal for breeding and feeding waders.
- Two additional hides overlook this field, connected by paths through the 13-acre Siden Hill Wood
- Car parks are located at either end of the walk
- The area lies west of the River Blythe and can be reached on foot from the main Reserve
- In 2022, Tame Valley Wetlands deepened the scrapes to further enhance habitat value
FEEDING STATIONS
There are two established feeding stations which attract a variety of species including the Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Bramblings have visited regularly over previous winters.
A 5-acre field has been set aside to provide food and cover for finches and buntings in winter and has attracted flocks of over 100 Yellowhammers and 60 Reed Buntings and up to 300 Linnets, though numbers vary seasonally, and some species have declined in line with wider farmland bird trends.
BIRDS
As of May 2024, a remarkable 214 bird species have been recorded at Marsh Lane.
Birds of particular note at this time include Bonaparte’s Gull, Hoopoe, Spotted Sandpiper, Grey Phalarope, Black Kite, Rough-legged Buzzard, Spoonbill, Stone Curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs, Roseate Tern, Red-backed Shrike, Dusky Warbler and the Bee-eater. Little Egrets occur regularly, and Osprey is recorded in most years. Buzzards are daily visitors, and Hobby is regular in the late summer and early autumn, Marsh Harriers are seen most years and Hen Harriers less regularly.
