Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve

A peaceful patch of woodland, wildflowers and water — teeming with life and history in Four Oaks.

About Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve

Tucked between quiet residential streets in Four Oaks, Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve is one of Sutton Coldfield’s most tranquil and wildlife-rich green spaces. Covering 7.7 hectares, this cherished site features open water, meadow, marsh, wet woodland and regenerating broadleaf woodland — all forming part of a vital wildlife corridor that stretches from the edge of South Staffordshire into Birmingham.

The reserve centres on the Mill Pool, originally built to power Hill Hook Corn Mill, which served the community from the 1600s until the mid-20th century. Though the mill is now gone, its legacy lives on in this stunning, biodiverse setting — now managed by Birmingham City Council, the Friends of Hill Hook LNR, and the Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Wildlife & Conservation

Hill Hook is a haven for biodiversity, featuring over 40 bird species, rare plants, amphibians, and a diverse array of insects. Highlights include:
Water birds: Mute swans, great crested grebes, pochard, goosander, coots and moorhens
Woodland birds: Treecreepers, tawny owls, woodpeckers, nuthatches, blackcaps and more
Invertebrates: Dragonflies, damselflies, bees, butterflies and moths
Bats: At least seven bat species, including pipistrelles and Daubenton’s — even the elusive Brandt’s bat
Rare flora: Common spotted-orchid, marsh cinquefoil, bluebells, wood anemones, yellow archangel, and sedges

The Friends of Hill Hook organise regular volunteer conservation days to manage habitats, clear paths, restore hedgerows, and host public events, including bat walks, moth nights, and birdwatching days.

Things to See & Do in Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve

• Take a stroll around the Mill Pool – A peaceful route with views of wildfowl and dragonflies
• Wander woodland trails – Especially lovely in spring with bluebells and birdsong
• Discover wildflower meadows – At their best in summer, buzzing with bees and butterflies
• Join a community event – From bat walks to seasonal nature surveys, there’s always something new
• Spot birds and bats – Bring binoculars for a closer look at woodland and wetland wildlife
• Enjoy a picnic – There are quiet spots to sit and soak up the peaceful surroundings
• Volunteer with the Friends Group – Lend a hand in habitat work or support local events

Useful Info

Public Transport: Blake Street station and buses X3 & 604
Parking: On-street only — please park considerately
Toilets: No toilets or café on site
Best time to visit: April to July for wildflowers and birdsong
Accessibility: Some areas suitable for wheelchairs, though others may be uneven or muddy