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Discover Gailey Reserve
SSSI canal feeder reservoirs perfectly positioned to attract passage birds and winter wildfowl (83 acres)
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About Gailey Reserve
Gailey Reservoirs are a pair of artificial lakes located near the village of Gailey, Staffordshire, England.
They were created as part of the canal system for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. The reservoirs are situated close to the Gailey Junction, where the canal splits.
These reservoirs provide water for the canal, serving both as an important part of the local water management system and a scenic area for wildlife and outdoor activities. The surrounding area is popular for walking, birdwatching, and peaceful recreation.
The lower reservoir hosts an island with a large Heronry. This reservoir also hosts the bird hide on the A5 side. The upper reservoir is quieter with more cover around the water edges. Both reservoirs can turn up interesting birds at any time of year including grebes and divers in the winter and passage Osprey and terns in the Spring and Autumn.
An under watched location well worth a visit.
Birds you could see at Gailey
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WMBC News
Here's your go-to spot for the very latest in bird sightings, photography, and noteworthy activities from the Gailey Reserve. Stay tuned here for real-time insights and snapshots from our community.
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Visiting
Access to Gailey Reservoirs is available to all West Midland Bird Club Members. Individual day permits are not available.
If you're planning your first visit or require any assistance, please contact the Reserve Team.
Access
Gailey Reservoirs (80 ac / 34 ha) is in Staffordshire. Access is via the small lane (Gailey Lea Lane) just off J12 of the M6 and along Watling Street (A5) towards Cannock (O/S Grid Ref: SJ938105).
Main birding areas:
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Lower Reservoir - Heronry on island, good for winter divers and wildfowl. Look out for passage gulls and terns.
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Upper Reservoir - Good for Great Crested Grebes and keep an eye out for passing Osprey.
Other access:
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Only access point is through the fisherman's entrance off Gailey Lea Lane. Please park in the pull in between the fisherman gate and the sailing club gate.
Please Note:
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You may be asked to show your WMBC membership card on site.
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Please respect other users of the site such as the fisherman and the sailing club.
Postcode: ST19 5PT
W3W: thumps.zoos.powering
Gailey Key Contact
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Sue Judge
Gailey Blog
Dive into our blog for a deeper look at Gailey's birding world, where we explore conservation efforts, research, general news, special projects, detailed reports and access updates.
Steve Nuttall’s Milestone- Roger Broadbent
First Ruff of the Spring
Belvide Sightings up to 3 April 25
Friday, 4 April 2025
Check out the latest sightings from Belvide here: https://belvidebirding.blogspot.com/
Join Us
Become a member
As a WMBC member, you get access to our reserves, invitations to indoor and outdoor birdwatching activities, our quarterly newsletter, and the annual bird report and much more. Enjoy bird photography, see rare species, and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts in our vibrant community.
