Introduction
Saltwells National Nature Reserve and Local Nature Reserve is one of the largest urban nature reserves in the UK. Its prime interest is its geology as it holds two important geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest and is part of the Black Country Global GeoPark. Intermixed and entwined with this geology is its industrial heritage and range of habitats from heathland to ancient woodland.
Geology
Saltwells is a NNR due to its world class geology, showing two distinctly different periods of earth history. 420 million years ago in the Silurian period Dudley was covered by a tropical sea and was situated far south of the equator. The land slowly moved north and by 310 million years ago was covered by a tropical rainforest, which produced the coal which the black country is known for. 307 million years ago molten rock from the centre of the earth pushed these rocks up to the surface and it is the remains of this history that we see today.
Silurian geology
Dating between 420 and 417 million years ago, these rocks were laid down in an ancient shallow, tropical sea, which later became dry land.
The remains of sea creatures and shells can still be found in the Brewin tramway cutting, where Carboniferous river sediments overlay the Silurian rocks (the missing 100 million years of the Devonian period is of particular interest to geologists at this site).
Carboniferous geology
Doulton’s Claypit shows a series of strata through the Middle Coal Measures laid down in the Upper Carboniferous period c. 310 million years ago. Although the thick coal layer, iron stones and clays have been extracted over the years, fossilised plants of the ancient swampy forest remain.
Habitats
Saltwells has a remarkably diverse range of habitats, much of which have developed on a past industrial landscape. With Britain’s thickest coal seam, the area has been subject to coal mining and subsequent quarrying since 1600. Doulton’s claypit was opened up in the 1880s to provide clay for sewer pipes and other sanitary ware. These industries with their associated railways and canals continued working until the mid-1900s.
Woodland
This is the largest woodland in the borough, some of which is ancient woodland with mature oak trees, and other areas of woodland succession following the cessation of industrial activity. The site is well known for its display of bluebells. The woodland is home to typical woodland birds like nuthatch and jay and winter fungi such as fly agaric.
Heathland
Where the soils are particularly poor after mining activity they have developed a heather and lichen cover.
Grassland
There are areas of flower rich grassland which are managed through the grazing of a herd of Exmoor ponies.
Scrub
Young woodland, hedgerows and scrub provide nesting habitat for birds such as linnet, stonechat and whitethroat.
Reedbed and waterways
Streams and a canal wind their way in and out of the nature reserve and are edged by other wetland habitats including a small reedbed. The pools and swampy areas are home to a variety of bird such as reed bunting, snipe and heron and a good range of dragonflies.
Key species
Orchids
Four species of orchid are present including southern marsh orchid and common spotted orchid. Other grassland plants include betony and Devil’s-bit scabious. Along with these are several species of brightly coloured waxcap fungi.
Woodland flora
Bluebells, wood anemone and wild garlic are all ancient woodland indicator species.
Butterflies
The mosaic of habitats at Saltwells make this a good site for butterflies, 26 species have been recorded which include marbled white, green hairstreak, purple hairstreak, brown argus and brimstone.
Dragonflies
The wet habitats of the site have attracted 16 species of dragonfly and damselfly. These include broad-bodied chaser, black-tailed skimmer and banded demoiselle.
Further info
Natural England’s West Midland NNRs:
Dudley Borough Council:
Friends of Saltwells NNR:
https://www.friendsofsaltwellsnaturereserve.org/
Black Country Geopark
https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/saltwells-local-nature-reserve
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