Fens pools is the best known amphibian site in the West Midlands. Amphibians inhabit the whole site using the pools for breeding. The community includes common frog Rana temporaria, common toad Bufo Bufo and exceptional numbers of both smooth and great crested newts Triturus vulgaris and T. cristatus. The great crested newt population is one of the largest so far recorded in Britain.

The swamp, fen and inundation communities associated with the open water include county rarities such as mare’s-tail Hippuris vulgaris, common club-rush Schoenoplectus lacustris, orange foxtail Alopecurus aequalis and lesser water-parsnip Berula erecta. Species rich areas of marshy grassland and acidic flush contain fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and an extensive population of southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. Adder’s tongue Orphioglossum vulgatum, a rare plant in the county, is associated with an area of unimproved neutral grassland which is species-rich and shows evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation.

At least ten species of dragonfly have been recorded from the site including the locally uncommon emperor dragonfly Anax imperator and migrant hawker Aeshna mixta. Over 20 species of butterfly have been recorded including locally uncommon species such as dingy skipper Erynnis tages and green hairstreak Callophrys rubi. Breeding birds include great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus, lesser whitethroat Sylvia curruca, reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus and occasionally, little ringed plover Charadrius dubuis. Water rail Rallus aquaticus and goldeneye Charadrius dubius. Water rail Rallus aquaticus and goldeneye Bucephala clagula are regular winter visitors.