The reserve is located around the eastern and northern edges of the Forge Mill Lake, a storm water retention basin within a meander of the River Tame.

There are also a number of substantial screens, which are available at all times and afford good views of birds on the wetland areas surrounding the lake.

The site, formerly a landfill, has been carefully planted with a wide range of native trees and shrubs, to provide a rich and diverse habitat.

The lake and smaller pools are home to a wide range of water fowl and also play host to migrating birds.

Among the species that attract birdwatchers to the hide are the goosander, lapwings, common snipe, little ringed plover and whitethroat.