About the reserve

Newpool Meadows was originally part of the Knypersley Estate and was once known as Newpool Lake, holding the largest area of water before the Serpentine and Knypersley Pool were constructed. In 1808 the lake was drained to allow the expansion of the coal industry. The old dam wall can still be seen on the opposite side of Tunstall Road.

The site has marshy grassland habitat, dominated by soft rush and tufted hair grass. A small open water scape also provides habitat for amphibians such as frogs, dragonflies and damselflies. The rest of the site is drier as features larges areas of tall herb grassland, providing cover for foraging animals, nesting birds and various invertebrates.

The Friends of Newpool Meadows group help manage the site. Many members were also part of the Newpool Meadows Action Group who previously fought to secure Village Green status for the land when it was threatened with development.