Middleton Lakes
Middleton Lakes is nestled within the beautiful River Tame valley, just south of Tamworth in Staffordshire and Warwickshire. This new RSPB reserve opens to the public on 14 May 2011.
The 160 hectare site is a former Hanson Aggregates gravel quarry adjacent to Middleton Hall and between the River Tame and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. About half the land has been acquired by the RSPB from Hanson, through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the remainder has been provided as part of an earlier planning agreement between Staffordshire County Council and Hanson.
Hanson's quarrying ended during 2007 and the RSPB is working with the company to ensure that the final restoration benefits birds, wildlife and visitors. The area is already regionally important for overwintering wildfowl such as pochards, tufted ducks and smews.
Wildlife highlights: By 2015, Middleton Lakes will become the most important site for breeding waders in the West Midlands region and adjoining counties of the East Midlands. Its lakes, reedbeds, meadows and woodlands will make it one of the best birdwatching sites in the area.
Other wildlife of conservation importance includes otters, grass snakes, wetland plants, and insects such as dragonflies.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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