Sot's Hole Local Nature Reserve

The site, area 5.5 ha is owned and managed by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, and was declared a local nature reserve in 1996. The main entrance is on Church Vale, West Bromwich. The reserve is situated on a geological fault line, so that the terrain has steep sides and has remained undeveloped. There are woods, in both damp and dry conditions; there is a small stream and areas of marsh. Some of the woodland is described as semi-ancient woodland. The varied habitats are home to a range of plants, insects and birds; the marsh areas support plants such as water horsetail and marsh thistle. The name Sot's Hole may relate to a pub in the 18th century, in Church Vale next to the site, of…