With its peaceful lake and quiet wooded paths, it is hard to believe that Sandwell Valley is in the heart of the UK's second city, only a short distance from the M6.There are always birds to see, from coots to swans to less common birds such as lapwing and snipe. These, along with teaching ponds, a classroom with interactive displays, and a new birdwatching hide make Sandwell Valley ideal for children to explore and discover more about nature.