About

Gorse Farm Wood Local Nature Reserve is in Great Barr, the main pedestrian entrance being off Eastwood Road. The 6.2 hectare site has a range of habitats including woodland, willow carr, grassland, pools and streams and a recently created area of young heathland. A number of pathways, including a boardwalk section, lead around the Reserve.

The range of habitats on the reserve support a variety of plants and animals. Current breeding bird species include blackbird, robin, blue and great tits; sparrowhawk and great spotted woodpecker have also bred here.

Notable plant species include a fine display of bluebells in Spring, young heather seedlings, and the locally rare wood horsetail. A wide variety of insects can also be found on site.

Most of the footpaths on the Reserve are accessible by wheelchair, although being situated on a slope means that there are some gradients.