MUCH-loved Dudley beauty spot Saltwells Nature Reserve is set to be elevated to National Nature Reserve status in recognition of its unique geology.

The national recognition from Natural England places the Black Country site alongside the Lizard in Cornwall and Lindisfarne in Northumberland in terms of its national importance.

An official announcement is expected in the autumn, with a public celebration lined up at the reserve.

The news has been welcomed by the Friends of Saltwells who work hard to protect and promote the site.

Lucy Atherton, vice chair of the Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve, said: "We’re over the moon with this news. Saltwells is a real gem, and while we’ve always been proud of it at a local level, to see it recognised nationally is just great news.

"We’ll be working closely with the wardens and Natural England on the celebration event and hope to welcome more people to the reserve and our warm and welcoming friends group.

The new status recognises the geological and mining heritage of the site as the geological exposures at Saltwells are the best of their kind and date from 420m million years ago to 307 million years ago.

The area was once covered by warm tropical seas and later equatorial swamps filled with giant insects, now long extinct.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services said: "Natural England is delighted to award NNR status to Saltwells, in recognition of the national importance of the area and the dedication, hard work and expertise of Dudley and its residents.

"Geology shapes an area and makes it distinct, and Saltwells reflects a rich diversity of accessible geological remains which helps tell the story of the nation’s rich heritage."

Dr Jonathan Larwood, geologist for Natural England, said: "Not only does Saltwells provide a glimpse into the past world of tropical seas and rivers, it connects this world to the history of Dudley and the Black Country.

"These rocks, laid down millions of years ago, were a source of clay for the famous Royal Doulton sanitary ware as well as the coal that was so critical to the industrial revolution.

"Dudley has a proven track record in caring for its geological heritage, and declaration as an NNR is testament to the team that has looked after Saltwells for so many years.

"Continuously improving access to the geological exposures in disused quarry faces and canal side cuttings alongside looking after the reserve’s wildlife has made this a place valued by everyone and now celebrated as it joins the best geological places in England as a National Nature Reserve."

Dudley is now the only urban borough in the country to have two National Nature Reserves, the other being Wren’s Nest which was declared back in 1956.