Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve celebrates 70th anniversary and unveils plans for a new visitor facility and wardens’ base

The celebrations will officially launch on Saturday October 3 with an event at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre. It will feature speakers from the scientific community, exploring the enormous contribution Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve has made to scientific understanding and the practical conservation of natural heritage.

At the launch, proposals for a new visitor facility and wardens’ base will also be on show. Plans include facilities for visitors, including accessible toilets, educational space, a reception, and display space for exhibitions.

Dudley Council, with the support of the Friends of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, has submitted an application to the local planning authority. If approved, the next step for the council and the Friends’ group is to source external funding for development.

Wren’s Nest was awarded National Nature Reserve (NNR) status on 27 September 1956, becoming the first NNR recognised specifically for its exceptional geological importance.

One of the world’s most notable geological locations, Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It forms a key part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark.

The 70^th anniversary celebrations are being jointly delivered by Dudley Council, Natural England, which co-manages the reserve with the council, Friends of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, the Black Country UNESCO Geopark partnership, and the Black Country Geological Society.

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.

“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 Friends of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, who were established in 2006 and were actively involved in the nature reserve’s 50^th anniversary celebrations, will coordinate the 70^th anniversary programme.

The event on October 3 will see the launch of the Dudley Bug, a new animated film by local filmmaker Leo Wright, which highlights the reserve’s remarkable fossil heritage to family audiences.

Elaine Bouckley, who volunteers with Friends of Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, 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.”

“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.”

The anniversary programme will coincide with International Geodiversity Day on 6 October, when geoparks and communities around the world will celebrate the importance of geodiversity and share activities through an international online portal.

The year-long programme will evolve as further events and activities are confirmed. Initial plans include a varied programme of walks, exhibitions, educational activities, and community events, among others.