Wren's Nest NNR
Wren's Nest is a hill and its name is thought to derive from the Old English word 'wrosne', meaning 'the link'. This may relate to its topographical position between Castle Hill and Mons Hill.
County: West Midlands
Main habitats: Geological
Area: 35 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Wren's Nest NNR is an urban geological site managed by the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
For centuries the area was mined for building stone, and during the industrial revolution limestone was extracted for use in local blast furnaces. This extraction resulted in the creation of a series of deep caverns known as the Seven Sisters.
Wren's Nest is known for its spectacular outcrops of Silurian Limestone and well preserved fossils, especially trilobites. Over 650 types of fossil have been found here and 86 are unique to the site.
In addition to its geological interest, the reserve supports many wild flowers that are otherwise rare or absent in the West Midlands such as autumn gentian, small scabious, common gromwell and bee orchid.
The caverns offer important roost sites for several bat species and areas of ash-elm woodland on the site are home to birds like sparrowhawk, stock dove, tawny owl, nuthatch and green and great spotted woodpecker.
Location and access
Wren's Nest is between the A457 and A459, 0.5 km west of the A4168. By car, access to the site is via minor roads. There is a car park adjacent to the reserve.
By train, Tipton station is about 3 km away and Coseley is slightly closer.
For local bus services see National Express West Midlands.
Facilities
Following an arson attack on the Visitor's Centre in early 2008, there are currently no visitor facilities on the reserve. The nearest refreshments are in Dudley.
Signs and leaflets are available for visitor information and there is a 2.5 km geological trail. Many of the paths on the reserve are suitable for wheelchair access.
