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Discover Harborne Reserve
A Little Urban Oasis Supporting Diverse Birdlife on the Edge of Birmingham (10 acres)
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About Harborne Reserve
Harborne Reserve is a small, 3.5-hectare site owned by Birmingham City Council and managed under agreement by the West Midland Bird Club.
Despite its modest size, it is a valuable green space in the heart of an urban landscape.
The reserve comprises several habitats, including:
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Developing native woodland, with a focus on oak regeneration
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Grassy hillside leading into the valley of the Chad Brook
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Conifer plantation and small wetland area, adding ecological variety
Its Alder-lined brook attracts winter finch flocks, while Grey Wagtails frequent the watercourse in colder months. Common Buzzards are occasional overhead visitors, and in summer, the reserve supports a healthy range of breeding warblers and other songbirds.
Harborne is also home to a number of working allotments, creating a shared landscape that blends community use with conservation.
Due to its accessibility and scale, the reserve is well-suited for tutorials and educational visits. A curriculum-linked school programme is integrated into the reserve’s management plan, supporting both learning and nature connection.
Birds you could see at Harborne
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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 Harborne Nature Reserve. Stay tuned here for real-time insights and snapshots from our community.
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Visiting
Access to Harborne Nature Reserve is exclusively available to West Midland Bird Club members. Unfortunately, individual day permits cannot be issued.
For organised group visits or educational enquiries, please contact the Reserve Team directly.
Access
Harborne Reserve (10 ac / 4 ha) is located approximately three miles from Birmingham city centre and is only accessible on foot.
To reach the reserve:
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Enter the Harborne Walkway from Gillhurst Road, at the point opposite Euan Close.
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Turn right onto the Walkway, heading south for approximately 400 metres.
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You’ll find an obvious path on your right, leading downhill into the valley of the Chad Brook.
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At the bottom of this slope, the gated entrance to the reserve is on your left-hand side.
Please note:
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Gate access codes are time-sensitive and reset annually, valid until 28th February.
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Refer to your current membership card or permit for the access code.
Postcode: B17 8PL
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Harborne Key Contact
Paul Bateman
Harborne Reserve Manager
Harborne Blog
Dive into our blog for a deeper look at Harborne's birding world, where we explore conservation efforts, research, general news, special projects, detailed reports and access updates.
Steve Nuttall’s Milestone- Roger Broadbent
First Ruff of the Spring
Belvide Sightings up to 3 April 25
Friday, 4 April 2025
Check out the latest sightings from Belvide here: https://belvidebirding.blogspot.com/
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.
