Smestow Brook - Natural History

Natural History

The Smestow flows through an important local nature reserve at Wolverhampton, and its lower course largely follows the conservation area associated with the canal, often through linear woodland, as well as small areas of wetland. Hence, it is home to a wide range of wildlife: if little is rare, the variety is great. Dredging and other works often disturb wildlife, but recolonization is usually rapid. The reduction in pollution over the last three decades has allowed wildlife to diversify and flourish.

The Smestow Valley reserve claims no less than 170 species of bird as residents or visitors, with 55 species breeding locally. Winter sees the greatest variety with the regular Common Blackbird and Common Chaffinch reinforced by visitors, like Redwing, Fieldfare, Redpoll, Siskin, Little Grebe, Snipe, Lapwing and Golden Plover. Raptors like the Eurasian Buzzard and Sparrowhawk also hover.

Insect life is also rich and varied, with more than 20 kinds of butterfly seen on the reserve, including Ringlet, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Green-veined White, Comma, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Purple Hairstreak, Small Heath and Small Copper and, rarely, Brimstone and Clouded Yellow. There is also a great variety of damselflies and dragonflies.