Sot's Hole Local Nature Reserve

The site, area 5.5 hectares (14 acres) is owned and managed by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, and was declared a local nature reserve in 1996.[1]

Bluebell sculpture, by Tim Tolkien

The main entrance is on Church Vale, West Bromwich.[1] A surfaced path leads through the reserve, linking to paths leading to Sandwell Valley Country Park. There is a picnic site.[2]

The reserve is situated on a geological fault line, so that the terrain has steep sides and has remained undeveloped.[3] There are woods, in both damp and dry conditions; there is a small stream and areas of marsh. Some of the woodland is described as semi-ancient woodland. The varied habitats are home to a range of plants, insects and birds; the marsh areas support plants such as water horsetail and marsh thistle.[1][4][5]

The name Sot's Hole may relate to a pub in the 18th century, in Church Vale next to the site, of which the publican Richard Reeves was known to be an alcoholic; or to heavy drinkers at a nearby pub The Bear and Ragged Staff in the 18th century.[3]

A gate to the woodland, designed by Tim Tolkien, was erected in 2008. Since the site is known particularly for bluebells in spring, there is a Bluebell sculpture, also by Tolkien.[4]