Saltwells Local Nature Reserve is unique due to its mixture of world-class geology, bluebell covered Ancient Woodland, and nationally important heritage. It is one of the UK's largest urban nature reserves and is proud to be at the heart of the Global Black Country GeoPark.
Visitors can expect to see well-marked trails for all abilities, an old clay and coal mining landscape transformed with orchids and butterflies, and the largest sculpture park in the West Midlands. The woodland is carpeted with bluebells and home to a variety of wildlife.
The history of Saltwells Local Nature Reserve dates back millions of years, with its rocks telling the story of a warm tropical sea covering the area and lush tropical rainforests. The area was heavily mined for coal during the Industrial Revolution and later used for clay extraction to make sewer pipes.
Saltwells Local Nature Reserve won the first UNESCO UK Man and the Biosphere's Urban Wildlife Award for Excellence in 1992. It remains one of only a handful of places to have achieved this accolade. In 2020, much of the reserve became designated a National Nature Reserve to celebrate its world-class geology.
The brine spas near Saltwells Local Nature Reserve were once advertised for their healing qualities of medicinal spring waters. They were known by various names and were part of the area's history as plans were once made to make Netherton the Cheltenham Spa of the Black Country.
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