Woodgate Valley Country Park
- Address
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Woodgate Valley Country Park, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3DS
- How to get there and parking
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The country park is situated on the western edge of Birmingham where the suburbs of Bartley Green and Quinton meet.
The main entrance with vehicle access to a large, accessible free car park is on Clapgate Lane. There are six other pedestrian entrances.
Buses X22 and 23 pass near the park.
- About the park
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Woodgate Valley Country park is a nature reserve covering 450 acres and is the third biggest park in Birmingham. It contains meadows, woodland, mixed mature hedgerows and a number of small ponds. It’s a haven for lovers of rural settings, with the Bourn Brook running through the landscape and damp meadow habitats encouraging hosts of wildflowers in spring and summer. A fenced pathway takes visitors between horse meadows full of buttercups.
Historically the land was given over to agriculture, focused around several farms and the surrounding water meadows. One hedged lane (an old cart track) that remains in place is around 500 years old. The hedgerow skirting Watery Lane was established in the thirteenth century. The remains of a moat system built around the same time are still visible on the southern side of the Bourn Brook. During the industrial revolution kilns and a coal mine were constructed in the park.
The site was designated a country park by Birmingham City Council in 1984.
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- Video introduction
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- Facilities at the park
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Due to roof leaks, the visitor centre and facilities within the building are temporarily closed whilst we arrange repairs. We apologise for any inconvenience.
- Visitor centre with a cafe (temporarily closed)
- Accessible picnic tables
- Children’s play area next to visitor centre
- Park rangers hub based at the visitor centre (temporarily closed)
- The Hole Farm Trekking Centre - British Horse Society approved. Riders of all ages can enjoy a led ride through the valley in a safe, traffic-free environment, or take riding lessons. Advance booking is advisable by calling 0121 422 3464.
- Woodgate Valley Urban Farm with a demonstration garden and traditional orchard conservation area. Group visits arranged by calling 0121 433 1981. The registered charity run by volunteers showcases rare breeds including pygmy goats, hybrid pigs and sheep.
- Toilets
- The accessible toilets in Woodgate Valley Visitor Centre are currently not available as the centre is temporarily closed.
- Points of interest
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Impressive views from the park across the valley to Quinton and of the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham.
A canal tunnel (the Lapal Tunnel) ran under the park from 1798 to 1926. Boat owners taking their narrow boats through this section of the Dudley Number 2 canal would lie on their backs and propel the craft by using their feet to push against the tunnel roof (known as “legging”).
- Other features
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- Eight miles of paths to walk
- A 5 kilometre walk route
- Main route through the park links to Bourne Brook Cycle Route extension
- Around 250 plant species including field scabious and orchids, butterflies and 90 species of birds
- The Bourn Brook (home to fresh water shrimps) runs through the heart of the valley and forms the parish boundary between Quinton and Bartley Green
- Park friends group
