Forge Mill Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forge Mill Lake |
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Looking west along the lake
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| Location | Sandwell Valley |
| Area | 63 hectares (160 acres) |
| Operated by | Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council |
| Designation | Local nature reserve |
| Website | Forge Mill Lake |
Forge Mill Lake is a special place for nature in Sandwell Valley, England. It is close to West Bromwich in the West Midlands. This beautiful lake is part of the larger Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is also known as a Local nature reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife.
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Discovering Forge Mill Lake
Forge Mill Lake covers a large area of about 63 hectares. That's like 155 football fields! The Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council owns and takes care of this important site. It was officially made a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1991. This means it's a special place where nature is protected and people can enjoy it.
Who Helps Manage the Lake?
A part of Forge Mill Lake is managed by the RSPB. The RSPB is a charity that works to protect birds and their habitats. They help look after one of the two islands in the lake. This area is part of the nearby Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve.
Exploring the Lake and Its Surroundings
The lake sits right next to the River Tame. There is a walking path that goes all the way around the lake. You can also find wildflower meadows and planted woodlands nearby. These areas are connected by more paths, a cycleway for bikes, and a bridleway for horses. If you visit, there is a visitor centre at Forge Mill Farm where you can learn more.
Wildlife at Forge Mill Lake
Forge Mill Lake is a fantastic spot for seeing many kinds of birds. You can often spot different types of wildfowl on the water.
Birds to Spot in Winter
In the colder months, the lake becomes home to many birds. You might see wigeon, which are a type of duck. Other birds like snipe and water rail also spend their winters here. Sometimes, even rarer birds visit the lake during this time.
Migrant Birds in Spring and Autumn
During spring and autumn, many birds are on their long journeys. They stop at Forge Mill Lake to rest and feed. These are called migrant birds. If you are lucky, you might even spot some unusual or rare birds passing through.
The Lake's Purpose and History
Forge Mill Lake is also known as Sandwell Valley Storage Lake. It was finished in 1981. The main reason it was built was to help prevent floods. It holds a lot of water, about 498,000 cubic metres. This helps to control the water levels in the nearby river.
Current Upgrades to the Lake
As of 2020, the lake is being updated and made even bigger. This work is part of a project called the "Perry Barr and Witton flood risk management scheme." These changes will help the lake do an even better job of preventing floods in the area.
