Hay Head Wood Local Nature Reserve

Hay Head Wood Local Nature Reserve is about 4km (2.5 miles) east of Walsall town centre, off the main Aldridge Road (A454). This 7 hectare (17 acre) site contains an interesting mixture of woodland, wetland and grassland habitats. The site has been declared a Local Nature Reserve by Walsall Council, giving it greater protection for the future. An area of hazel coppice has recentley been planted. It follows the boundary of the old airfield and links Hay Head Wood Local Nature Reserve with Lodge Wood.Car parking is available off Longwood Lane.

History

This part of Walsall was intensively mined for limestone in the late 18th century. Evidence of this mining activity can be seen on the nature trail.

The limestone mined at Hay Head Works was used as flux in the iron foundaries of the Black Country. The lime was later discovered to have the excellent adhesive qualities required for cement production. The cement was used in canal buildings and stuccoing (a covering for brick walls). Hay Head Works were abandoned about 70 years ago. The pond you’ll see was once part of the canal network, built in 1800 to transport limestone from the mines. In the 1930s this section of canal was cut off from the main network. Since then the canal has gradually silted up and nature has reclaimed the whole area resulting in a rich variety of habitats.

How to find Hay Head Wood Local Nature Reserve

By car

Parking available off Longwood Lane from A454 Aldridge Road or B4151 Sutton Road. Parking is also available at Lower Hangar, The Airport, Bosty Lane.

By bus

Walsall Bus Station to Aldridge Road 367, 368 and 966. Walsall Bus Station to Sutton Road 377 and 376. Further details on Centro Hotline 0121 200 2700.