Alvecote Pools

Mute swans. Jack Perks

Jack Perks

Swans at Alvecote

Sue steward, New Leaf Images 

A series of shallow pools that are great for wildlife.

Location

Between Polesworth and Tamworth in North Warwickshire.
What3Words: called.admit.fancy or adjusting.visitor.gown
Tamworth
Warwickshire
B78 1AS

OS Map Reference

SK 25057 04381 or SK 25812 03555
A static map of Alvecote Pools

Know before you go

Size
26 hectares
P

Parking information

Limited parking at entrance off Robeys Lane; car park at Pooley Heritage Centre (charge applicable)

Grazing animals

Cattle graze Alvecote Meadows

Walking trails

Various routes around the reserve, some are more difficult than others, most are flat and accessible but can get muddy. 

Access

Flat, wheelchair access adjacent to canal, kissing gates, muddy in winter

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

This reserve has a series of shallow pools along the River Anker. Until the 1960's there was mining here by the Pooley Hall Colliery and mining subsidence formed the pools. It is a good place to spot birds, dragonflies and orchids through the different seasons.

Coal was mined here between 1848 and 1965 and this site would not exist if it was not for these mining operations, as the subsidence and flooding formed the complex habitat you see today. It is now an important site for a variety of water birds.

What might you spot?

Look out for crested grebe, tufted duck, pochard, shelduck, little ringed plover and reed warblers on the pools. You may spot the flash of turquoise of a hunting kingfisher or a Great white egret spearing fish with its long, sharp beak., A dozen varieties of dragonfly flit across the pools in spring and summer and if you fancy bug hunting you could find some of the many beetle species found here. 

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Contact us

Karl Curtis
Contact number: 024 7630 2912
Contact email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map