subject: Wrens Nest Nature Reserve A Proud National Heritage [print this page] Composed of a number of other small towns, Dudley is a Borough Council that is situated nine miles west of Birmingham. Born to life in the midst of the Black Country, its a part of England that carries its own unique blend of culture and heritage. This is mostly owing to the fact that Dudley is not a singular centre but has the privilege of dipping its economic and cultural heritage into that of the small towns that belong to it.
Its stated that over 420 million years ago, the area where Dudley now stands was encased in tropical seas and coral reefs. These reefs were inhabited by many sea lilies and other creatures. Today, their fossils can be seen perfectly preserved in limestone rock in Wrens Nest Nature Reserve. Over 700 types of fossils are to be found at this exceptional geological site that has been declared as the first National Nature Reserve for geology in the United Kingdom.
At present overrun by grasslands, this once mining and excavation area has given way to Ash-Elm woodland and scrub. Housing many rarities like small scabious, bee orchid, autumn gentian and common gromwell, its also home to birds such as the sparrow hawk, tawny owl, nuthatch, stock dove and the green and great spotted woodpecker. Also providing roosting sites for several species of bat, this reserve holds the only existing surface opening limestone cavern the Seven Sisters. Proclaimed as a Schedules Ancient Monument because of the best surviving vestiges of limestone mining, quarrying and processing industry in Dudley, Wrens Nest played a vital role in the development of the Black Country.
Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill Dudley is a hotel that can be recommended without doubt to anyone visiting the city. A hotel in Dudley that is situated in the very midst of the Black Country, it boasts of modern amenities and a picturesque atmosphere. Just minutes away from the Merry Hill shopping complex, this Dudley hotel also contains impressive facilities for any sort of meeting, conference or wedding.
