Lady Pool

An attractive pool with an impressively large reed bed of Phragmites, an unusual habitat in the West Midlands. Emergent vegetation includes pond sedge, bur-reed, bull-rush and marestail, the latter two of which are of particular importance, being uncommon in the locality.

The pool is bordered by an old hawthorn hedge and stream with elders, willows and marsh marigold at its northern side.

Woodland features

A small area of woodland is present along the western side with mixed deciduous trees, including alder, beech, sweet chestnut, horse-chestnut and rowan with hawthorn and guelder rose. The field layer includes red campion, dogs mercury, bramble, ferns, and horsetails.

Management recommendations

The pool is becoming increasingly shallow and measures should be taken to ensure it does not dry out completely. To maintain the reed as reed-bed it can be cut in winter. If possible, steps should be taken to prevent silting up of the pool. This may involve altering the flow of water into and out of it. The pool could also be dug out.