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Fradley Pool Nature Reserve


Fradley Pool Nature Reserve lies on the junction of the Trent & Mersey and the Coventry canals. With an area of open water and two canals, Fradley Pool offers a superb day out in the countryside.

What to spot at Fradley Pool

Wildlife: Woodland birds, water fowl and woodland flowers.
Opening times: Café and information centre open seven days a week, winter 10am-4pm, summer 10am-5pm.
Access/Conditions: Woodland paths, bird hides and towpath. A boardwalk, for both able-bodied and disabled visitors encircles the reservoir
Facilities: The original wharf has been converted into a café, gift shop and information centre.
For children: Pick up a Nature Detectives Pack from the information centre.
How to get there: From the A38 and A513 follow signs for Fradley Junction.
Parking: Park at Fradley canalside café.

Whatever time of year you visit this important wetland area you are sure to see a wide variety of bird life, from the ducks, moorhens and other waterfowl along the canal itself to the woodland birds, such as blackbirds, robins and wrens. In summer the canals and reservoir attract many insects, including bright jewel-coloured dragonflies and damselflies.

Josiah Wedgewood, the famous potter, proposed the building of the canal from the River Trent to the River Mersey. Building of the canal started in 1766 and in 1780 the reservoir was built to hold surplus water. The original wharf, stables, carpenter and blacksmith’s shop still stand and today house British Waterways’ café, gift shop and information centre.

Last updated: 22/10/2008