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Discover Blithfield Reserve
Stunning SSSI Habitat for Waterfowl and Migrants All Year-Round (800 acres)
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About Blithfield Reserve
Blithfield Reserve is leased to the West Midland Bird Club by South Staffordshire Water PLC, with a dedicated Club Management Team overseeing birding and conservation matters. The reservoir is widely recognised as one of the region’s premier birdwatching sites, offering year-round interest and outstanding seasonal highlights.
A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reservoir is surrounded by a mosaic of mixed farmland and woodland habitats. These include:
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Reed-beds
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Exposed shoreline
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Woodland and valley systems
The vast open water is a magnet for wintering waterfowl, migrating waders, and passage birds. Notably, Osprey are frequent visitors during spring and autumn passage.
Its scale, habitat diversity, and location make Blithfield an essential stronghold for both common and rare species - and a focal point for WMBC’s conservation and research efforts.
Birds you could see at Blithfield
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WMBC News
Here's your go-to spot for the very latest in bird sightings, photography, and noteworthy activities from the Blithfield Reserve. Stay tuned here for real-time insights and snapshots from our community.
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Visiting
Access to Blithfield Reserve is exclusively available to West Midland Bird Club Inclusive Members. Individual day permits are not available.
If you're planning your first visit or require any assistance, please contact the Reserve Team.
We also suggest joining the Blithfield group chat for guides on access and how to find your way around the site. Mark Sumnall is also available on (07801) 538059 for any general questions.
Access
Blithfield Reserve (800 ac / 324 ha) is in Staffordshire. Main site access is via the Main North Entrance, off Newton Hurst Lane, please see the site map and the guides in the Blithfield Group chat page on how to make the most of your visit. (O/S Grid Ref: SK053250, Postcode WS15 3PD, What3Words ratty.classic.twinkled).
Main birding areas:
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Tad Bay (designated) – gate left of the drive
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Blithe Bay – locked gate to the right of the drive
Other access:
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Beech Tree Point (vehicle – uneven track)
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Western end of the causeway (vehicle)
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Sailing Club / “Deep End” (footpaths – better maintained)
Important Please Note:
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Locked gates require a key which costs a one off payment of £5. Please see the map for the locations where your key will be needed to gain access to hides and the exclusive WMBC areas. Keys are available from the South Staffs Water Estates Office on Waters Lane, access via the Main East Entrance at WS15 3DU. The office is open Mon-Fri 08:00 to 12:30 and SSW staff will need to see your WMBC membership card. If you have any issues with the office opening times, call Mark on (07801) 538059.
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Please park in designated areas - see site map and guides.
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Carry your membership card – permit checks are routine.
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No access beyond Forward Hide in Tad Bay.
Postcode: WS15 3DU
W3W: sobbed.briskly.configure
Blithfield Key Contact
Mark Sumnall
Blithfield Blog
Dive into our blog for a deeper look at Blithfield's birding world, where we explore conservation efforts, research, general news, special projects, detailed reports and access updates.
Join Us
Become a member
As a WMBC member, you get access to our reserves, invitations to indoor and outdoor birdwatching activities, our quarterly newsletter, and the annual bird report and much more. Enjoy bird photography, see rare species, and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts in our vibrant community.
