Fradley Junction & Nature Reserve

Trent & Mersey Canal and Coventry Canal

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

A hive of activity. With one of the most picturesque waterside scenes in the Midlands, Fradley Junction near Lichfield in Staffordshire is where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent and Mersey Canal. Not only can you see boats passing through this busy canal junction, but you can take the scenic route around the nature reserve to find a hidden bird hide.

Not only can you see boats passing through this busy canal junction, but you can take the scenic route around the nature reserve to find a hidden bird hide!

What is there to do?

• Locks
• Canal Junction
• Fradley Pool Nature Reserve – with a board walk and bird hide
• Pond dipping platforms and facilities
• Events
• Information Centre & Shop
• Audio tour

Want to know more?

Fradley Junction has supported a hive of activity on the canal over the past two centuries. The Junction, now surrounded by listed buildings, the cottages, a small warehouse, including The Swan Inn Public House and even the cross over bridge and locks are also listed. The original wharf, including the once redundant stables, carpenters’ and blacksmith shop have been converted into a café, gift shop and information centre. Waterscape

To find out more about the local waterways contact the West Midlands British Waterways office on; T: 01827 252000 252000  E: enquiries.westmidlands@britishwaterways.co.uk

Families

Fradley Junction is a great place to visit with your family! It is one of the busiest boating junctions, so there is always lots of action through the locks. A hidden nature reserve reveals another dimension to the location. Take a walk around the nature path to discover a number of woodland sculptures, willow tunnel and a beautifully hand built bird hide. Fradley junction is home to a number of café’s and canalside pub providing purpose built seating looking out towards the canal scenes. Regular events take place here so log onto waterscape or keep your eyes on the WOW events programme for more details.

What about schools and groups?

The ‘Fradley Junction Trail’ gives children the opportunity to explore historic Fradley Junction and the award winning Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. The trail not only offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting from inside the stunning bird hide, but on your leisurely walk you can also discover the interesting tree sculptures and make use of the pond dipping platforms (suitable for wheelchair access and pushchairs).

A new education programme was developed in 2009 to engage schools and groups in a number of outdoor activities here at Fradley. Resource boxes for schools and groups were produced and are now available to loan. Resource boxes include;

• Boating Families

• ARTefacts

• Stay SAFE near Water

• Nature Detectives

• Birds & Habitats

• Pond Dipping

For further information or to book a visit & resource box please contact the Visitor Information Centre.