Park Lime Pits Local Nature Reserve

Park Lime Pits Local Nature Reserve is a wonderful area of countryside, only 2.5 miles (4 kms) north of Walsall town centre.

The pits contain beautiful clear pools surrounded by mature beech woodland. The area, 25 acres (10 hectares), provides homes for an incredible variety of wildlife. Over 100 species of birds and over 300 species of plants have been recorded here. Car parking is available off Park Road, Daw End Lane, Rushall, which can be reached from the Lichfield Road A461.

History

The tranquil nature reserve which you see today was a very different sight 200 years ago. Then the area was a thriving limestone quarry. The limestone was used as flux in the production of iron. Blocks of limestone were taken from the quarry face to the canal in small trucks. From there it was transported to the iron foundries of the Black Country by canal barge.

The quarry has provided building materials for centuries. Rushall limestone may have been used by the Romans to construct Watling Street (A5) and their settlement at Wall near Lichfield.

Park Lime Pits Local Nature Reserve is surrounded by agricultural land and historic buildings such as Rushall Hall to the west. This was the site of two bloody battles during the English Civil war.

The limestone wall surrounding the Hall dates back to the 13th century. The Hall itself was rebuilt in 1846.

When quarrying ceased at Park Lime Pits Local Nature Reserve 150 years ago the Victorians started to landscape the old workings. The magnificent beech trees were planted at thus time and the quarry filled with water, creating the pools.

How to find Park Lime Pits Local Nature Reserve

By car

Parking available off Park Road, Daw End Lane.

By bus

Walsall Bus Station to Daw End Lane.

Contact Centro on 0121 200 2700 for details of the bus numbers and times.