Overview
Marsh Lane Nature Reserve is the present-day inhabitant of what used to be a sand and gravel retrieval operation of approximately 75 acres/30 hectares in the late 1990s.
The Reserve is in an area that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and near the flood plain of Blythe River between Solihull and Coventry at a place called Berkswell.
The quarry operator and the property's owners reclaimed the former quarry since the sand and gravel operation concluded. This reclamation effort is responsible for it now consisting of woodlands, agricultural areas, grasslands, and three main pools, with one of them a reedbed. The other two have islands that attract passing and breeding waders.
Hides have been installed along with feeding stations, pathways, and parking areas to help facilitate visiting by birders.[1]
Birds
Notable Species
This Reserve is an example of what can happen when efforts were made to turn an industrial-style location into something that benefits people and nature.
Since the improvement of the site, the bird population is increasing with species such as Bonaparte's Gull and Lesser Yellowlegs are being seen. The Osprey is seen regularly and an occasional Hen Harrier. The Black-necked Grebe is being seen some springs. It is now a breeding area for a large number of Black-headed Gull.
Increases in food and cover availability is attracting varying flocks of Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting.[1]
Rarities
No species have been recorded explicitly as rare for Marsh Lane, but some of the species not as common here can include Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Jay, Little Grebe, Ruddy Duck, and Willow Warbler.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Eurasian Jackdaw, Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Black-headed Gull, Northern Lapwing, Common Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Gadwall, Great Cormorant, Common Pochard, European Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Northern Shoveler, Barn Swallow, Eurasian Coot, Mute Swan, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Western House Martin, Tufted Duck, Rook, Eurasian Magpie, Eurasian Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Common Swift, Bank Swallow
Other Wildlife
Site Information
History and Use
Marsh Lane is becoming a natural area of note, but it wasn't always that way. It started in 1995 as a sand and gravel quarrying concern and operated until 1999 when operations ceased. Since then, the operators of the quarry and the owners of the property have instituted a reclamation effort that is producing the results seen today.[1]
Nearby Areas of Interest
River Blythe at Patrick Bridge is another eBird Hotspot north of Marsh Lane. [3]
Access and Facilities
Access is by day or year paid permit only, with permits and keys available as set out below.
Day permits can be obtained at the Somers Fishery located at the top of the car park of the Stonebridge Golf Centre, Somers Rd (off Hampton Lane), Meriden, Nr Coventry CV7 7HF. T: 01676 523833., 7 am to 4 pm, Monday to Sunday, except in the winter when it is open 8 am until 11 am Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Consult the website for specifics regarding other access.[2]
As always, be sure to consult a trusted travel professional for specific, up-to-date information regarding travel to this location.
Contact Details
Consult the Reserve website for up-to-date contact information.[2]
References
- Packington Estate - Marsh Lane Nature Reserve - Marsh Lane Nature Reserve - http://www.packingtonestate.co.uk/about/marsh-lane-nature-reserve
- eBird - Marsh Lane Nature Reserve - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L9325334
- eBird – River Blythe at Patrick Bridge - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L12375675
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Marsh Lane Nature Reserve. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 12 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Marsh_Lane_Nature_Reserve
External Links
Maps
Content and images originally posted by rabsi
