New development is king for local wildlife

A development of new homes near Tamworth from housebuilder Barratt Mercia, is proving a bird lover’s paradise with residents reporting daily sightings of kingfishers in its communal grounds.

The development, called Millfield Wharf situated on Coleshill Road in Fazeley, close to Fazeley Marina, has become home to a pair of kingfishers as well as to local homebuyers.

With communal open areas, which have been allowed to grow naturally, and two small brooks running either side of the apartments, the development has become an ideal haven for these protected birds which are rarely seen due to their small size and dashing speed.

Chris Ashmore, Sales Director for Barratt commented, “Millfield Wharf has proven extremely popular with both homebuyers and the local wildlife due to its tranquil surrounds. Not only kingfishers, but herons, ducks, moorhens and woodpeckers too have been spotted on a regular basis by the residents, all of whom are very pleased to be sharing their home with such a range of wildlife.

“During the planning stages of this development we spent time ensuring the finished scheme would actually enhance and support the local environment and not detract or damage it in anyway. Indeed, we were able to turn much of the site, which was formerly a car yard, into green open spaces and have allowed the wildlife to thrive. The area is also awash with daffodils which line banks of the two brooks.

Keen to find out more about kingfishers, Barratt has contacted the RSPB to explain why the kingfishers are present.

Colin Wilkinson, RSPB planning officer for the Midlands said, “Kingfishers need clear, clean rivers full of small fish so their presence shows the quality of the local environment. We know kingfishers also breed at our nearby Middleton Lakes reserve in the Tame Valley so hopefully these spectacular birds will continue to be very special neighbours for future residents at Millfield Wharf.”

Millfield Wharf resident, Karen Townsend said, “I love living at Millfield Wharf which has both the Bourne and Mill brooks running through it, making a stunning environment to call home.

“Literally, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t see one of our kingfishers, which is pretty special since most people won’t even see one in their entire lifetime. So I do feel very fortunate to be able to see such an array of wildlife literally on my doorstep and better still because the grounds are communal I don’t have to lift a finger to maintain them!”

Situated on the edge of Fazeley village, the apartments at Millfield Wharf boast excellent waterside views and beautiful communal gardens which can be enjoyed by all. Tamworth town centre is less than 10 minutes from the development and offers a range of shops, bars and restaurants, whilst the M6 and M42 motorways along with rail links and Birmingham International Airport are all close by making it ideal for commuters.

Millfield Wharf is a development of 57 luxury two-bedroom apartments. Prices start from £173,700. For more information log on to Barratthomes.co.uk/millfieldwharf.