Residents who would like to find out more about the history and wildlife of Smestow Valley and the surrounding area are welcome to attend some discovery days this month.

A series of events are taking place between 12 and 21 September as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival, a community led festival of history and culture.

Residents can delve deeper into their local area and enjoy the following free events. Activities are open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult:

Friday, 12 September, 5-6pm: A sound and sensory walk through Smestow Valley. The gentle walk and talk focuses on the connection between nature, sound and wellbeing. Meet at Cupcake Lane, WV6 8NX.

Saturday, 13 September, 10-11am: Pond dipping – explore the incredible mini beasts and aquatic life that live in our pond habitats. All equipment is provided and the Valley’s conservation officer will help identify species. Meet at Compton Park, WV3. What3Words: seat.alarm.grain

Saturday, 13 September, 12-1pm: Kids nature activities including leaf hunts, mini beast & scavenger hunts and wildlife ID challenges. Children can also build habitat piles from natural materials to support local wildlife. Meet at Cupcake Lane, WV6 8NX.

Saturday, 20 September, 12pm, Tettenhall Heritage Transport Centre heritage cycle ride. Bring your bike and join in. A cycle ride along the old railway line at Cupcake Lane using heritage cycles made in Wolverhampton. Meet at the Heritage Transport Centre, Meadow View, WV6 8NX at 12pm

Find out more about the Transport Centre through a Matterport Scan created by the National Brownfield Institute, based at the University of Wolverhampton. The scan will take you on a virtual tour of the building and the fascinating collections: Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre (TTHC)

Saturday 20 and 21 September: An apple harvest weekend runs at Wightwick Manor and Gardens. Visitors can discover the manor and gardens with a weekend of history, art, and autumn celebrations.

In addition, an illustrated talk entitled ‘Surprising Swifts’ will be held on Thursday, 18 September, at Wildside Activity Centre from 7-9pm. The talk, which looks at the lives of these migratory birds, costs £5 and can be booked at Surprising Swifts | Wildside Activity

The discovery days help complement City of Wolverhampton Council’s ongoing project to Explore, Enhance, Protect and Promote Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve. 

Last year, the council, together with partners Canal & River Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, secured funding of £217,000 from The Heritage Lottery Fund to develop plans for a full application of around £2million to be submitted in 2026.

If the application for this delivery phase is successful, renovation of the much-loved Meccano bridge is planned, along with other structures linked to the disused railway line which forms the main path through Smestow Valley.

During the initial development phase, the council has worked with partners Canal & River Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust as well as the Wildside Activity Centre, Friends of Smestow Valley and Waterside Care.

This partnership approach has seen a wide range of activity at the site, including improvements to the canal towpath, planting wildflower meadows, restoring historic ponds and hedges and planting native flowers including bluebells and wild garlic.

These activities, which were funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helped develop a range of volunteering opportunities as well as an approach to volunteering for the future.

Over time, the whole project at Smestow Valley aims to increase engagement through school visits, heritage-focused volunteering opportunities, biodiversity enhancements, community events, artwork and interpretation as well as online information.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Smestow Valley is a real hidden gem in the city and these discovery days will be a great way for people to find out more about the site and the surrounding area.

“Both the nature reserve and the nearby Wightwick Manor are fascinating attractions in the city and the range of events on offer will help people to explore more about their rich wildlife and history.

“I would encourage local people to pop along to any of the sessions and find out more about these wonderful places on their doorstep.”

To find out about the latest activities at the valley and how to get involved visit the Facebook page or sign up to the newsletter.

Smestow Valley and rail network is a 4.5km long site, which forms part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark and has a rich history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. It provides visitors with opportunities for healthy activities including walking, cycling and boating.