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Olton Mere

19 ha

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifeInsects
Free entryDogs welcome19 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦75+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Teal and Grey Wagtail
  • 🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
Parking· Free

Best for

4 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Teal, Grey Wagtail, Mute Swan +72 more · last seen 2026; Birds — Teal, Grey Wagtail, Mute Swan +72 more · last seen 2026

Free

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals; Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Common Darter, Willow Emerald Damselfly, Brown Hawker +3 more · last seen 2025; Insects — Common Darter, Willow Emerald Damselfly, Brown Hawker +3 more · last seen 2025

Free

Foraging

Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

12 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Grand Union Canal WalkWalking route234 km

Birmingham to Napton section

Named routeLength 234 kmRegional walking route
Rail Trail: Widney Manor > DorridgeWalking route4.4 km

A 2.75-mile easy walk through Solihull’s suburbia and countryside between two stations, crossing the M42 and the river Blythe. Duration: 1.5 hours Distance: 2.75 miles

Named routeRef rtWMLength 4.4 kmPoint-to-pointLocal walking route
Rail Trail: Birmingham International > Marston GreenWalking route6.4 km

A 4-mile walk discovering wildflower meadows, oak woodland and parkland along Low Brook on an easy route to Marston Green. Plane spotting optional! Duration: 1.5 hours Distance: 4 miles

Named routeRef rtBIALength 6.4 kmPoint-to-pointLocal walking route
Rail Trail: Olton > ShirleyWalking route12.5 km

An 8-mile longer meander along the banks of the Grand Union Canal and the River Cole, through the heart of Tolkein Country! Duration: 3.5 hours Distance: 8 miles

Named routeRef rtOltLength 12.5 kmPoint-to-pointLocal walking route
Rail Trail: Shirley > The LakesWalking route8 km

A 3-mile trail following the towpath along the Stratford-upon-Avon canal, across Christmas tree plantations, farmland and forests to reach Earlswood Lakes. Duration: 3 hours Distance: 5 miles

Named routeRef rtShiLength 8 kmPoint-to-pointLocal walking route
🚴

Cycling

9 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Solihull-KnowleCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Cole Valley RouteCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Billesley & Shire Country Park CircularCycling route
Named routeRef 4Local cycle route
Park, Roll & Stroll Pup Up Cycle RouteCycling route
Named routeRef Pop UpLocal cycle route
3 Parks Cycle Route- Silver Route (Airport Viewing Area to Meriden Park)Cycling route2.7 km

The all-weather route follows the valley of the Hatchford, Westley and Kingshurst Brooks whilst passing through an attractive mixture of formal parkland, wooded areas and open grassland.

Named routeRef 3PSLength 2.7 kmPoint-to-pointLocal cycle route
A45 Pop Up Cycle RouteCycling route
Named routeRef Pop UpLocal cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

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