[1] The site was formerly referred to, in birding literature, as Fishers Mill- (Warwickshire),[5] Drayton Bassett- (Staffordshire)[5] and Dosthill- (to the East) -Lakes, -Pools, -Pits or -Gravel Pits.

It separates the flooded and re-modelled former gravel pits to the East from an area of ancient woodland and former agricultural fields.

[9] The RSPB plans to erect a bird hide at the northern end of the reserve,[9] and later to provide a visitor centre.

[4] Ten hectares of Willow were removed[4] and the edges of pools re-profiled to a gentle slope of 1:30, instead of the 1:3 used during quarrying,[4] to provide greater areas of mud and thus appeal to wading birds.

The large meadow is grazed by a herd of English Longhorn cattle,[4] ensuring ideal conditions for nesting skylarks and wild flowers.

[11] Even before the establishment of the reserve, the gravel pits were known for their attraction to breeding, passage migrant and vagrant birds.