Oldbury by AS
Oldbury
Oldbury is a town in the borough of Sandwell, in the West Midlands, England. Historically part of Worcestershire, it lies to the west of Birmingham and forms part of the Black Country, an area known for its industrial heritage and strong regional identity.
Oldbury has deep roots in manufacturing and heavy industry, particularly during the Industrial Revolution when it became a centre for coal mining, ironworking, and chemical production. Canals and later railways helped fuel this growth, making Oldbury a key player in the expansion of the Midlands’ industrial might.
Today, while much of the heavy industry has declined, Oldbury remains a busy urban centre. It hosts a mix of residential areas, retail parks, and business estates. The town centre has undergone various phases of redevelopment, with shops, supermarkets, and public facilities serving the local population.
Transport links are a major strength of Oldbury. It sits close to junction 2 of the M5 motorway, providing easy access to Birmingham, Worcester, and the wider region. Sandwell & Dudley railway station offers regular services on the West Coast Main Line, making it popular with commuters.
Despite urbanisation, Oldbury retains a number of green spaces and parks, and nearby attractions include the picturesque canals and towpaths, as well as the historic Galton Valley Canal Museum. The area reflects a blend of old and new—industrial grit, community resilience, and a continuing role in the ever-evolving landscape of the West Midlands.
Created: 26 June 2025 Edited: 26 June 2025
Oldbury
Local History around Oldbury
There are some historic monuments around including:
Remains of the Boulton and Watt Soho foundry and mint, Birmingham Canal, SmethwickSt James's PrioryEngine Arm Aqueduct, WarleySmethwick Engine HouseChances Glassworks, SmethwickLime working remains in DudleyDudley CastleCobb's Engine House, WarleySmeaton's Summit BridgeTriangular crane, Bumble Hole BoatyardHalesowen Abbey and associated water control featuresCross in St John the Baptist's churchyardWeoley CastleSandwell Priory, a Benedictine monastery.Wildlife in and Around Oldbury
Mammals found in Oldbury
There have been 25 species of mammals recorded in the oldbury area.
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| Common Shrew (Sorex araneus) |
| Domestic Cat (Felis catus) |
| 55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) |
| Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) |
| Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
| Daubenton's Bat (Myotis daubentonii) |
| Field Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Oldbury
Birds found in Oldbury
There have been 50 species of birds recorded in the oldbury area.
| Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) |
| Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) |
| Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) |
| Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) |
| Carolina Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) |
| Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) |
| Common Swift (Apus apus) |
Tap here for more birds found in and around Oldbury
Fish found in Oldbury
There have been 10 species of fish recorded in the oldbury area.
| Bream (Abramis brama) |
| Chub (Squalius cephalus) |
| Gudgeon (Gobio gobio) |
| Pope (Gymnocephalus cernuus) |
| Tench (Tinca tinca) |
| Carp (Cyprinus carpio) |
| Eel (Anguilla anguilla) |
| Perch (Perca fluviatilis) |
| Roach (Rutilus rutilus) |
| Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) |
