Getting out and about in nature is what summer is all about, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy the fantastic wildlife on display here in the UK. You may be surprised at how much natural beauty can be found practically on your doorstep! Here are just a few of the top spots for nature watching in the West Midlands this summer.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a wide variety of animals from across the globe, including Red Pandas, monkeys, lemurs, reptiles, and meerkats. Many of the species are endangered in the wild and the park plays a vital role in their conservation. If you happen to be visiting at feeding time, you can even watch the keepers feeding some of the park’s wildlife!

Cannock Chase Forest

Cannock Chase Forest has something for everyone, with sensory walks and trails, a children’s play area and even a dog activity trail! Its range of woodland walks are suitable for all ages and abilities and you can also explore the forest by bike.

Home to foxes, badgers, rabbits, and squirrels as well as reptiles such as frogs, toads and common lizards, the rich habitats of Cannock Chase also support many species of birds and butterflies. If you’re lucky you might spot the herd of fallow deer!

Located north of Birmingham, Cannock Chase Forest can easily be reached via train from Central Birmingham and makes a great day out for all the family.

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve in Coventry boasts scenic pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland with nine bird-watching hides from which you can spot resident wildlife such as kingfishers and otters. There are also fungi and minibeasts to discover, a woodland where kids can brush up on their den-building skills, and a tea room to please the grown-ups!

Sutton Park

One of the largest urban parks in all of Europe, Sutton Park is a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve located six miles north of Birmingham city centre. Sutton Park has

465 acres of open heathland, which is a rare and threatened habitat that supports a wide range of wildlife.

The park is also home to woodlands, seven lakes, wetlands, and marshes – each with its own rich variety of plants and wildlife. Cattle and wild ponies graze on the land and there’s also a donkey sanctuary in the park. As well as being the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, or a bike ride, you can also have a go at other activities on offer at Sutton Park, including horse riding, sailing, kayaking and orienteering.