Heritage Around the Reservoir
Heritage can mean different things, but we bet that no matter how you define it you can find something on that list around Bartley Reservoir. One of Friends of Bartley Reservoir's key objectives is to connect residents to their heritage around them, so that it can be clearly identified, understood, and valued, and therefore more likely to be protected by future generations.
Ancient Woodland
Bromwich Wood Local Nature Reserve
A modest sized, semi natural, ancient woodland on the west side of Bartley Reservoir. The woodland is dominated by Oak Trees with a good diversity of other tree, shrub species, and spring flowering plants. It has good primary trail pathways but boots or wellingtons are recommended in autumn and winter, especially following rain.
15th Century Church
St Leonard's Church
St Leonard's is a beautiful 15th century church with a community hall and picturesque churchyard; it is often referred to as ‘Frankley Church’ due to its location in Frankley. It is a real jewel in the crown of Bartley Reservoir. We encourage everyone to explore and enjoy on your walk around the reservoir.
The Reservoirs
Bartley and Frankley
Built to accommodate the clean drinking water needs of the growing city of Birmingham, Bartley Reservoir also provides water sport opportunities and supports large numbers of migrating bird life. Bartley reservoir's perimeter can be walked and provides calming views out over the water.
Public Spaces
Picnic Area, Meadows, & Field
Bartley Meadows, located alongside the reservoir between the Sailing Club and Picnic Area, has some of the greatest floral diversity in Birmingham, with a fantastic display from June. This is a potential Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation, whilst Kitwell Playing Field and the land between it and the woods, is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
Ancient Pathways
Public Footpaths
Bartley Reservoir is well connected by by its pathway heritage with Public Footpaths made of Public Rights of Way and 'Easements by Prescription', that combined allow for easier direct access to the reservoir from the surrounding areas, as well as making a full circular walking route through Severn Trent land possible.
Farming & Rural Heritage
Arable & Live Stock
The area surrounding Bartley Reservoir has a rich farming history; what was once many small farm landowners has now reduced to just two who farm the whole area: Egghill Farm and Park Farm. These are mostly arable farmers although they do keep some live stck.
Birding Heritage
Birdwatching
Birding, or bird watching, has a rich heritage at Bartley Reservoir with a long list of species recorded over the last 90 years. Bill Oddie grew up birding here and produced his first report for the West Midlands Bird Society on the birds of Bartley Reservoir in 1962. The main interest centres on wildfowl, passage waders and terns and roosting gulls.
Educational Heritage
Primary, Grammar, and University
Bartley Reservoir has a rich and diverse educational heritage with the 1950's and 60's seeing the establishment of St Michaels's Primary, King Edwards Grammar, and Newman College, around its edges. All are diverse in their conception, religion, and heritage
Scheduled Monument
Frankley Moat
The medieval moated site represents the site of the Littleton Family from the 13th century! The manor, Frankley Hall, was built around 1601, and replaced a previous structure. It stood on the centre of the moat site until it was burned down in 1645 by the Royalists during the English Civil Wars.
Birding Heritage
Birdwatching
Birding, or bird watching, has a rich heritage at Bartley Reservoir with a long list of species recorded over the last 90 years. Bill Oddie grew up birding here and produced his first report for the West Midlands Bird Society on the birds of Bartley Reservoir in 1962. The main interest centres on wildfowl, passage waders and terns and roosting gulls.
Educational Heritage
Primary, Grammar, and University
Bartley Reservoir has a rich and diverse educational heritage with the 1950's and 60's seeing the establishment of St Michaels's Primary, King Edwards Grammar, and Newman College, around its edges. All are diverse in their conception, religion, and heritage