I spent an hour at Belvide Reservoir hide in South Staffordshire. This is the first visit to the hide I’ve been on so far, it is run by the West Midlands Bird Club, and I went as a guest with my Father.
Quick Overview
📍 Location: Belvide Reservoir, South Staffordshire
🌿 Habitat Type: Reservoir and woodland
🎯 Target Species: Water birds
📅 Best Season: All year round
🕒 Best Time of Day: All day
💰 Cost: £20-30 per year for membership
📅 Booking Required: No
🔗 Website: https://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/belvide-reserve
What Makes This Hide Unique?
Belvide, a 180 acre canal feeder reservoir, was constructed in 1834 to supply what is now the Shropshire Union Canal, but did not attract the attention of ornithologists until the 1920s, when A.W. Boyd (who referred to the reservoir as ‘Bellfields’, to disguise its identity) began visiting regularly and published many of his observations in the magazine British Birds. Boyd, and H.G. Alexander who was a regular visitor in the 1930s, were responsible for putting Belvide on the bird-watching map and the reservoir was soon established as one of the most important ornithological sites in the Midlands.
Owned by the Canal and River Trust (formerly British Waterways) It is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is now scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest under the stewardship of Natural England.
Despite its proximity to Wolverhampton, the A5 and the motorway network the reserve is essentially rural in character being situated in gently undulating mixed farmland. Apart from the reservoir itself there are a variety of habitats, including woodland, reed-beds unimproved pasture and depending on water levels muddy margins within a relatively small area and as a result there is a rich diversity of bird life throughout the year.
Setup & Shooting Conditions
Distance to Subjects
- Minimum focal length: 600mm
- Ideal focal length: 800mm+
- Water birds of various types
Background Quality
- Clean / natural / busy? The background is the reservoir or woods
- Artificial perches? No
Species You Can Expect
Regular Sightings
- Tufted duck, Goldeneye, Common Tern, Reed Warbler and more
My Experience
- What surprised you?
Lots of water birds - What frustrated you?
Distance required on lens although I did use my new x2.0tc. - Did the activity match expectations? Yes, plenty of action.
- Was it worth the price?
Yes, the membership gives access to several reservoirs
Camera Settings & Gear I Used
Body: Nikon Z8
Lens: Nikon Nikkor 180-600mm & Viltrox x2.0tc
Support (tripod/beanbag): Non
Typical Settings I use:
- Shutter speed: Varies depending on static or flight shots
- Aperture: F13 (due to x2.0tc)
- ISO range: 800
Who Is This Hide Best For?
✔ Beginners
✔ Advanced wildlife photographers
✔ Behaviour shooters
✖ Landscape photographers
✖ Portrait shooters
Tips If You’re Visiting
- Membership or go with a member
- Bring camera & lenses, spare batteries, warm clothes for winter, food and drink and walking boots.
Final Verdict – Would I Return?
- Is it worth the money?
Membership is very reasonable - Is it worth travelling for?
It is about 2hrs for me from West Yorkshire, but it is local to my Father so I stayed nearby in the Rugeley Premier Inn. - Would you recommend it? Yes.
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