Shire Country Park, Nature reserve system in south Birmingham, England.
Shire Country Park spreads across the River Cole Valley with different habitats including wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and nature reserves linked together. The space offers multiple sections that visitors can explore on foot or by bicycle, each with its own character and wildlife.
The area grew around Sarehole Mill, a Grade II listed water mill on the River Cole that was restored in the 1960s. This mill was the heart of industrial activity in the valley before the land transformed into a nature park.
The park connects to places that shaped J.R.R. Tolkien's imagination during his youth, particularly Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill, which directly influenced his fantasy worlds. Visitors can walk through these locations today and see the landscapes that inspired his most famous stories.
The site has several entry points scattered throughout, with paths that work well for walking, cycling, and watching wildlife. It helps to know which access points suit your route, since different sections take you to different parts of the valley.
The park created artificial wetland areas along the riverbanks to help support the local otter population living in the connected River Blythe. This deliberate habitat design shows how the park actively works to protect these rare animals.
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