Warrens Hall Reserve

I was born in Tipton, in the 'Black Country', the heart of England's Industrial Revolution. It's said that the Black Country gained its name in the mid-nineteenth century from the smoke from the many thousands of ironworking foundries and forges. Other theories mention the abundance of coal in the region - the working of the shallow and 30ft thick seams.
I recently had a few hours of 'photography time' whilst visiting relatives and chose to visit an old haunt which I'd not seen in over 60 years. The once industrial surroundings close to the Netherton Tunnel have been transformed into a lovely nature reserve, where people can picnic, ride their bikes, fish in the pools or navigate the many canal channels. Warrens Hall lies on the border of Sandwell and Dudley and has 17 hectares of grasslands, hedgerows, pools, streams and canals. The site is situated high on the Rowley Hills with superb views to the Clent Hills and Shropshire.
The industrial heritage of the site can be really appreciated, with Cobbs Engine House and the Netherton Canal Tunnel providing links with the past. More information can be found here on the Dudley Borough Website.

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