Wren’s Nest nature reserve marks 70th anniversary with plans for new visitor centre

A year-long programme of events is being launched to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley, with plans for a new visitor facility and wardens’ base also set to be unveiled.

The landmark anniversary will be marked with a special event at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre on Saturday, October 3, featuring speakers from the scientific community who will explore the reserve’s contribution to scientific understanding and conservation.

Visitors will also get the chance to see proposals for a new facility at Wren’s Nest, which would include accessible toilets, educational space, a reception area and exhibition space.

Dudley Council, supported by the Friends of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, has submitted a planning application for the development.

If approved, the council and Friends group will seek external funding to bring the project forward.

Wren’s Nest was awarded National Nature Reserve status on September 27, 1956, becoming the first reserve in the country to be recognised specifically for its exceptional geological importance.

The site is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and forms a key part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark.

Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley Council’s 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.

“This anniversary year is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together to discover more about its geology, wildlife, and history.

“I would encourage residents and visitors to take part and discover what makes Wren's Nest such a unique part of our borough.

“They can also find out more about exciting plans for the future, including the proposed new visitor facility and wardens’ base.”

The anniversary celebrations are being organised by Dudley Council, Natural England, the Friends of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, the Black Country UNESCO Geopark partnership and the Black Country Geological Society.

The Friends group, which was established in 2006 and helped organise the reserve’s 50th anniversary celebrations, will coordinate the year-long programme.

The launch event will also feature the premiere of The Dudley Bug, a new animated film by local filmmaker Leo Wright, which aims to introduce families to the reserve’s remarkable fossil heritage.

Elaine Bouckley, a volunteer with the Friends group, said: “Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve is internationally important because of what can be found in its rocks, but its story is much bigger than geology.

“It is a place where science, industry, nature, and local communities have been connected for generations.

“The 70th anniversary provides a fantastic opportunity to bring those stories together and demonstrate why Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve is such an important part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark.”

She added: “We are very excited to share with the public the plans for the proposed visitor facility and wardens’ base, which if approved, will bring us a step closer to an on-site facility that can provide a warm welcome to external visitors, volunteers and students.”