Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bumble Hole |
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The Bushboil Arm - a canal branch inside the reserve
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Netherton, England |
| Created | 1996 |
| Operated by | Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council |
| Website | http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/environment/countryside/nature-reserves/bumble-hole-and-warrens-hall-local-nature-res/ |
Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve is a cool place in Netherton, England. It used to be a busy industrial area, but now it's a peaceful spot with canals, ponds, grassy fields, and woods. It's right next to another nature reserve called Warren's Hall Local Nature Reserve (which is in Sandwell). Together, they make a huge area for exploring nature! Bumble Hole became a special nature reserve in 1996.
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A Look Back in Time: From Factories to Nature
Long ago, the area where Bumble Hole and Warren's Hall nature reserves now stand was full of factories and mines. People dug for coal and clay, made coke (a type of fuel), and even built boats here! A railway line, called the Bumble Hole Line, also ran through this area, connecting towns like Dudley and Old Hill. Imagine how noisy and busy it must have been! Now, it's a quiet home for wildlife.
Where is Bumble Hole?
You can find Bumble Hole Nature Reserve just east of Netherton. It's about 1.5 miles south of Dudley, right on the border with Sandwell. The easiest way to get there is by using St Peter's Road in Netherton.
Exploring the Landscape: Canals, Ponds, and Woods
This nature reserve is a mix of different natural areas. You'll find open grasslands, small wooded sections, and lots of water! The Dudley No. 2 Canal flows right into the reserve. From this main canal, two smaller branches split off: the Bumble Hole Branch and the Bushboil Arm.
The biggest body of water here is Bumble Hole Lake. This lake used to be a clay pit where people dug for clay. There isn't a clear boundary between Bumble Hole and its neighbour, Warren's Hall Local Nature Reserve. This means you can easily walk from one to the other, exploring both as one big natural space!
Visitor Facilities at Bumble Hole
When you visit, you can stop by the canal-side visitor centre. It's run by friendly volunteers from the Bumble Hole Conservation Group. They can give you information about the reserve, and you can even grab some refreshments. There are also toilet facilities available. If you're feeling sporty, there's even a football pitch!
The Annual Boating Festival
Every September, Bumble Hole (and the nearby Warren's Hall) becomes the site of an exciting annual boating festival! Canal boats gather for the event, and there are lots of fun things to do. You can check out different stalls, take a trip on a canal boat, and enjoy a funfair. It's a great way to see the canals come alive!
