Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve is launching a year-long programme of events to mark its 70th anniversary. The celebrations will highlight the reserve's global geological importance, wildlife, and mining heritage.
The official launch takes place on Saturday, 3 October at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre. The event will feature speakers from the scientific community discussing the reserve's contribution to scientific understanding and conservation of natural heritage.
New visitor facility in the pipeline
Proposals for a new visitor facility and wardens' base will be displayed at the launch event. The facility would include accessible toilets, educational space, a reception area, and display space for exhibitions.
Dudley Council, with support from Friends of Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve, has submitted a planning application for the development. If approved, the council and Friends group will then seek external funding to progress the project.
Seventy years of geological significance
Wren's Nest was designated as a National Nature Reserve on 27 September 1956, becoming the first NNR recognised specifically for its exceptional geological importance. The reserve holds the status of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is also part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark.
Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve is a special part of Dudley's natural and industrial heritage, and its importance reaches far beyond the borough. For 70 years it has been recognised for its exceptional geology, while generations of local people have helped care for and celebrate this remarkable place."
Anniversary programme launches with new film
The 70th anniversary celebrations are jointly delivered by Dudley Council, Natural England (which co-manages the reserve), Friends of Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve, the Black Country UNESCO Geopark partnership, and the Black Country Geological Society.
Friends of Wren's Nest, established in 2006, will coordinate the anniversary programme. The October 3 launch event will include the premiere of the Dudley Bug, a new animated film by local filmmaker Leo Wright highlighting the reserve's fossil heritage for family audiences.
