Forge Mill Lake Local Nature Reserve

About

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.

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.