Representing the only significant area of green space in the village of Albrighton, this site is a vitally important refuge for wildlife and a valuable breathing space for local people. It lies within the valley of the Humphreston Brook. The Brook is flanked by mature alder trees.
The nature reserve is comprised of several different areas. The main part of the site is St. Cuthbert's meadow. This is a grassy area perfect for a kick-around or a picnic in summer. Some areas of vegetation are left long to encourage wildflowers and invertebrates. A pond dipping pool has been created at the edge of the meadow to give a safe place for young people to discover the secrets of underwater life. St. Cuthbert's Well is a historic pool surrounded by a path which weaves its way under beautiful old yew trees, a species often associated with pilgrimage.
Donington Pool itself is a valuable area for nesting wildfowl and a pretty lake to try a spot of fishing. There is good access to the edge of the pool and fishing pegs have been built to give a safe place for all the family to try their hand at fishing.
At the far edge of Donington Pool is a willow carr woodland area with stream channels and marshy areas. This rare habitat has great value for nesting birds and for wetland plants such as marsh marigold. Due to Health and Safety implications the woodland is only open on certain days and by prior arrangement.
The Humphreston Brook has historically represented the boundary between Donington and Albrighton. In the early 17th century a miller called John Talbot created Donington Pool by putting a dam across the brook at Rectory Road. His intention was to provide a constant supply of water to his mill. John Talbot was ordered to pay a fine to Donington but escaped a fine at Albrighton as he had been granted permission for his mill at an earlier date. The original pool John Talbot created was much bigger than it is today but through the process of succession is silting up and turning to marshland and wet woodland.
