Moseley Bog & Joy’s Wood

Calling all Lord of the Rings fans! If you’re looking for a relaxing trip-out away from the city centre, then we’ve got the perfect activity for your stack. Take a walk in one of the sites that inspired the creation of one of the world’s most influential and famous fantasy books and movies, Moseley Bog.

This nature reserve is a paradise for many different species of insects, plant life and gorgeous old trees for you to wander around in. In the spring, the carpets of bluebells come to life – it’s no wonder that this park acted as an inspiration for Tolkien! In fact, you can take a tour themed around his inspiration here nearby at the sarehole mill. The lotr author grew up around this park back in the late 19th century, with it supposedly being the inspiration for where our famous hobbit friends live, the shire! There are plenty of walking trails for you to take, which will take you through different landscapes such as wet woodlands, meadows and pastures. You’ll spot charming little birds like the great spotted woodpecker and bigger birds like the buzzard. Along the way, you can admire the old archeological sites such as the old mill dam and the Victorian greenhouses, or more ancient remains in the two burnt mounds that date back 3000 years (one of which was the first of its kind to be discovered in the west midlands!). This park is a great little getaway for anyone in the Birmingham area, and a must-go for any fans of lord of the rings!