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Elliott Brown Green travel
27 Apr 2021 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

New blue cycle lane from Selly Oak Triangle up the Bristol Road

The final phase of extending the Selly Oak Bypass is now complete. Harborne Lane has been bi-directional to traffic since the end of October 2020, and it seems that Chapel Lane is the same. The blue cycle lane runs past the former Sainsbury's store. Beyond that is red and white bollards past the new Sainsbury's close to Selly Oak Station and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

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New blue cycle lane from Selly Oak Triangle up the Bristol Road





The final phase of extending the Selly Oak Bypass is now complete. Harborne Lane has been bi-directional to traffic since the end of October 2020, and it seems that Chapel Lane is the same. The blue cycle lane runs past the former Sainsbury's store. Beyond that is red and white bollards past the new Sainsbury's close to Selly Oak Station and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.


New Blue Cycle Lane from Selly Oak Triangle along the Bristol Road

The work to extend the Selly Oak Bypass to the Bristol Road was completed at the end of 2020. A new blue cycle lane has been installed that runs down the side of the former Sainsbury's store (the plans for student flats were thankfully rejected).

 

Harborne Lane at Selly Oak Triangle

From Oak Tree Lane and Bristol Road in Selly Oak, you can see that traffic now goes in both directions, where as before it was one way. The ambulance was crossing from Oak Tree Lane to Harborne Lane.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The start of the new blue cycle lane at Selly Oak Triangle. Lots of new traffic lights and lampposts, no benches or trees at this point.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Part of the cycle lane comes from Harborne Lane.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bristol Road towards Chapel Lane

There is a new bus lane that goes from Harborne Lane onto the Bristol Road. The bus stops have been moved to outside of the former Sainsbury's store.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crossing over the bus lane. It all looks nice and new. Not sure if any cyclist has used it yet.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is still trees growing in front of the former Sainsbury's store. Re-located bus stops on the right.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

New young trees have been planted down here. Let's hope that they last and have a chance to grow.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Frankie & Benny's ahead at the Chapel Lane junction with the Bristol Road, sadly closed down in 2020 during the previous lockdowns.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Chapel Lane at the Bristol Road junction

At the Chapel Lane junction with the Bristol Road. Before this was one way, but it is now bi-directional as well. Speed limit of 20 mph. Former Frankie & Benny's restaurant on the right.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bristol Road beyond Chapel Lane

No longer bus stop outside of the ex Frankie & Benny's. But there is some new cycle racks. TouchBase Pears up ahead on the right.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The pop up cycle lane that is now on the Bristol Road in Selly Oak near TouchBase Pears. Up ahead is the new Sainsbury's and Unite student accommodation at the Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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70 passion points
Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
22 Apr 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Bartley Reservoir in Bartley Green

In Bartley Green is located Bartley Reservoir. It is on Genners Lane at the retaining wall (dam) and Scotland Lane. Completed in 1930, the reservoir is now operated by Severn Trent Water. It receives water from the Elan Valley Reservoirs in Wales, which comes from the nearby Elan Aqueduct. The reservoir is also home to Bartley Sailing Club. And is close to King Edward VI Five Ways School.

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Bartley Reservoir in Bartley Green





In Bartley Green is located Bartley Reservoir. It is on Genners Lane at the retaining wall (dam) and Scotland Lane. Completed in 1930, the reservoir is now operated by Severn Trent Water. It receives water from the Elan Valley Reservoirs in Wales, which comes from the nearby Elan Aqueduct. The reservoir is also home to Bartley Sailing Club. And is close to King Edward VI Five Ways School.


Bartley Reservoir

You can get to Bartley Reservoir on the no 18 bus, that goes past Newman University, and can get off near Genners Lane. On Scotland Lane there is a picnic area and some car parking spaces. But you could also park a bit further down, close to King Edward VI Five Ways School. Other nearby bus routes include the 23.

My visits during December 2015 (by bus) and March 2021 (by car).

 

Bartley Reservoir, December 2015

Getting off the no 18 bus on Genners Lane in Bartley Green, I was eager to try out my then new bridge camera (which I'm still using today over 5 years later). Could see the retaining wall (or dam) at Bartley Reservoir on the left.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was very windy at the time, so the water on Bartley Reservoir was a bit choppy due to Storm Desmond.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The direct view of the reservoir from Genners Lane. It was like the tide was coming in.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Between the retaining wall on Genners Lane and the water was a fence on the left. In the distance you can see Newman University.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Distant fields showing you that the reservoir is close to the countryside.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More of the same views of the reservoir as I walked up Genners Lane.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A bit of a zoom in to the fields to the back of the reservoir.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Halfway down there is a bench where you can sit and watch the reservoir. Bird watching perhaps, or on days when members of Bartley Sailing Club are out on the water?

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The far end of the retaining wall (or dam).

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was very windy that day at Bartley Reservoir, this was to the north west corner.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the reservoir from the end of the retaining wall.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Small Tower at Bartley Reservoir

Saw this small tower from Genners Lane, behind it was Bartley Sailing Club. The gate was locked.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I would guess it would have something to do with the water coming from the Elan Valley in Wales.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Only Severn Trent staff can go down that bridge I would think.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The gate was locked, and was danger signs, also No swimming allowed.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bartley Sailing Club 

I've yet to see any of the boats out on the reservoir, that day it was too windy due to Storm Desmond!

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is a sailing club house on the right.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Steps below the sailing club, and somewhere for members to climb into their boats (but not in this weather of course).

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a lot of yachts on dry land.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From Genners Lane there was an open gate, and I could see some of the boats nearby.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Dec 2015) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bartley Reservoir, March 2021

More than 5 years later, back to Bartley Reservoir, but by car this time. We went around Scotland Lane, and parked just beyond King Edward VI Five Ways School. Then walked along the road towards the Picnic Area. Where there would be some nice views of the reservoir.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A sign warning fly tippers. Sadly I saw a lot of rubbish and fly tipping alongside Scotland Lane at this point, even with CCTV camera's they are still doing it!

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First view of Bartley Reservoir from near the picnic area.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There would be a path to head down in a short while.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Block of flats seen on the other side of the reservoir. The retaining wall (dam) and small tower seen to the far left.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a fence at the bottom of the field near the picnic area.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zooming into some buoys, with gulls in the distance, they weren't close to the banks of the reservoir, just in the middle.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The general direction to Frankley Reservoir. At least one of the roads in this area was having roadworks, but you can't get to close to Frankley Reservoir on foot.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This tree at the picnic area, had things taped to it, some memorial to someone who passed away?

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A zoom in to the small tower at the retaining wall (dam).

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Leaving the picnic area behind, we walked back up Scotland Lane, how heading towards Senneleys Park. Saw this view between the trees.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From Scotland Lane, went down Field Lane, and got to Genners Lane. Went past King Edward VI Five Ways School and Newman University. Got to Bartley Sailing Club when I saw this boat with fangs on it!

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A quick look at Bartley Reservoir from Genners Lane near the retaining wall (dam). Before heading up Cromwell Lane towards Senneleys Park.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It hasn't changed much in more than 5 years, other than the water was much calmer.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still fences around the north west corner of the reservoir close to the retaining wall.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Areas for launching yachts and boats close to Bartley Sailing Club.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the retaining wall and Genners Lane, before walking up Cromwell Lane towards Senneleys Park.

dndimg alt="Bartley Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bartley Res (Mar 2021) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
14 Apr 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A walk in the Kingfisher Country Park from Hay Mills to Bordesley Green on Easter Sunday 2021

This was an Easter Sunday walk in the Kingfisher Country Park. Starting from the Coventry Road in Hay Mills. And walking as far as Bordesley Green (not far from Stechford). The Cole Valley Route in Hay Barn Recreation Ground, Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground, Sycamores Recreation Ground and Bordesley Green Recreation Ground. Sadly was a lot of litter to see along the River Cole.

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A walk in the Kingfisher Country Park from Hay Mills to Bordesley Green on Easter Sunday 2021





This was an Easter Sunday walk in the Kingfisher Country Park. Starting from the Coventry Road in Hay Mills. And walking as far as Bordesley Green (not far from Stechford). The Cole Valley Route in Hay Barn Recreation Ground, Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground, Sycamores Recreation Ground and Bordesley Green Recreation Ground. Sadly was a lot of litter to see along the River Cole.


The Kingfisher Country Park starts in Birmingham from the Coventry Road in Hay Mills. Not far from Small Heath and Haybarnes Circus. This is part of the Cole Valley Route that walkers and cyclists alike can use. Sadly as soon as we got here on Easter Sunday 2021 (Sunday 4th April 2021) I could see litter, rubbish and fly-tipping all over the place (it was not nice to see how people treat our City and wonderful open spaces).

The walk was through four recreation grounds that follow the River Cole.

Hay Barn Recreation Ground starts at the Coventry Road in Hay Mills and ends at Hob Moor Road.

Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground starts at Hob Moor Road and ends at Yardley Green Road in Bordesley Green.

Sycamores Recreation Ground starts at Yardley Green Road and ends at Bordesley Green East.

Bordesley Green Recreation Ground starts at Bordesley Green East and ends at Eastfield Road (you can see the West Coast Mainline to the far end with Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway trains going by).

 

Hay Barn Recreation Ground

Starting at the Coventry Road in Hay Mills, there is this map of the entire Kingfisher Country Park from Hay Mills towards Chelmsley Wood in Solihull. Sadly other maps like this in the country park had graffiti on them.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hay Barn RG KCP (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A Project Kingfisher sign showing signs of past vandalism. It mentions that riding off road bikes with City Council parkland is illegal. I later saw an idiot riding a petrol powered dirt bike around Bordesley Green Recreation Ground in circles, all over the grass. Plus last Christmas was idiots riding bikes in the part in Shard End.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hay Barn RG KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Earlier we first had views of the River Cole from the Berkeley Play Park.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/R Cole BPP KCP (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

But was no footbridge to cross over the River Cole at this point, but later found a footbridge further up in the Hay Barn Recreation Ground.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/R Cole BPP KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From the Haymills Old Bridge dated 1903 on Coventry Road, with the River Cole below. A cyclist from Just Eat in orange stopped on the path on the left.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/R Cole Haymills (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The correct form of bikes, a couple riding bicycles along the Cole Valley Route. This is how it should be done!

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hay Barn RG KCP (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Daffodils to the left of the main path.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hay Barn RG KCP (Apr 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

When we first got to the Kingfisher Country Park, we were near the Berkeley Play Park, and walked down to the Coventry Road. While on the Cole Valley Route in the Hay Barn Recreation Ground, spotted this footbridge over the River Cole which we later used as an exit from the park on the walk back to the car.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fbridge HBRG KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the footbridge over the River Cole. Which we crossed at the end of the walk heading back to the starting point on Berkeley Road.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fbridge HBRG KCP (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Further on in the Hay Barn Recreation Ground is this open field, running towards Hob Moor Road.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hay Barn RG KCP (Apr 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path continues alongside the River Cole towards Hob Moor Road.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/R Cole Hob Moor HBRG KCP (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting close to Hob Moor Road, the bridge is almost in view.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/R Cole Hob Moor HBRG KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Hob Moor Road Bridge over the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Hay Barn Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/R Cole Hob Moor HBRG KCP (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground

Now at Hob Moor Road, and into the Newbridge Recreation Ground. Several wooden bollards here. Plus a fingerpost / direction sign on the Cole Valley Cycle Route along the River Cole. The name of the area comes from Newbridge Farm, which used to be located at this site near the river.

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From here, you can cycle left to the City Centre and Small Heath, or right towards Stechford. (Note the sign has an extra "t" which is incorrect).

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path in Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground curves to the right, already signs of litter on both sides of the path!

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path heads straight towards Yardley Green Road.

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some green areas, so you have plenty of space for the 2 metre social distancing rule, while on your walk (to overtake some slow people).

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting close to Yardley Green Road, the path curves to the left.

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bollards and another fingerpost at Yardley Green Road. Also a gate on the right where the lawn is.

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Newbridge Farm RG KCP (Apr 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Interesting bridge on Yardley Green Road to the right of here. With a separate pedestrian footbridge. Was quiet on the Easter Sunday, but I gather in normal times there could be a lot of cars driving down here.

dndimg alt="Newbridge Farm Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Green Rd Bridge (Apr 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sycamores Recreation Ground

From Yardley Green Road in Bordesley Green, we next enter the Sycamores Recreation Ground. More bollards here. Sometimes the Kingfisher Country Park is also called Project Kingfisher.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Beyond the Project Kingfisher sign (missing fingerposts?) the path curves to the right, then beyond to the left.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading on the path in the Sycamores Recreation Ground, it now turns to the left before turning to the right.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A distant cyclist up ahead, the odd piece of litter on the lawn on both sides of the path.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bordesley Green East is now in view, as the path curves to the left.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The River Cole is visible again on the right, as is the Bordesley Green East Bridge.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At Bordesley Green East, more bollards. This is a busy dual carriageway road. Turned right and headed to the pelican crossing traffic lights.

dndimg alt="Sycamores Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sycamores RG KCP (Apr 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bordesley Green Recreation Ground

Starting at Bordesley Green East, we enter the Bordesley Green Recreation Ground after crossing over at the lights. This area was the former site of Batchelors Farm.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Many families enjoying the sunshine and sitting on the lawn. Sadly the litter problem here was quite bad to see.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path curves around the Recreation Ground. While here, kept seeing an idiot riding a dirt bike around the ground in circles. Tyre tracks were visible in the grass. Other signs of burnt out former off road bikes were along the path.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path curves in an S shape as we passed these bushes to the right.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not too visible here, but in the distance is the West Coast Mainline. Stechford Station is to the far right of here.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bits of rubbish on both sides of the path, and sometimes on the path.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path is good to walk on though, was even the odd dog walker and cyclist here.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting close to the end of the path, a man riding a bike in orange.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

End of the path at Eastfield Road. Litter was really bad around here, plus graffiti on the wall on the right. Turned back from here towards Hay Mills.

dndimg alt="Bordesley Green Recreation Ground" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bordesley Green RG KCP (Apr 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown Environment & green action
30 Mar 2021 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog, named in honour of the late Joy Fifer MBE

On my one weekend walk during this third lockdown, I walked towards Moseley Bog, via Swanshurst Lane in Moseley. I got into Joy's Wood at the gate on Yardley Wood Road. It is a nature reserve that was formerly a tip. Named after local environmentalist Joy Fifer MBE, who campaigned between 1980 and 2002, to preseve the wood from building development. Sadly she died in 2003 aged 64.

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Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog, named in honour of the late Joy Fifer MBE





On my one weekend walk during this third lockdown, I walked towards Moseley Bog, via Swanshurst Lane in Moseley. I got into Joy's Wood at the gate on Yardley Wood Road. It is a nature reserve that was formerly a tip. Named after local environmentalist Joy Fifer MBE, who campaigned between 1980 and 2002, to preseve the wood from building development. Sadly she died in 2003 aged 64.


Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog

There is a couple of gated entrances for pedestrians from Yardley Wood Road in Moseley. This leads to Joy's Wood, which in turn leads onto Moseley Bog.

 

The Wood named after the late Joy Fifer MBE

The wood is now a nature reserve and was named after the late local environmentalist campaigner Joy Fifer MBE (which she received at the end of the year 2000 in the New Year's Honours List, then aged 61). Until the 1980s the land was a tip (or landfill).

Joy first became involved in Moseley Bog around 1980, when she heard that planning consent had been given for building on the land at the time. She and other volunteers were concerned about the wildlife here that might be affected. With them she co-founded the Moseley Bog Management Trust. Their first goal was to convince the council to buy the land on which the Bog was situated, and making sure that nothing was built on the site. After six years the goal was reached. She first got diagnosed with her illness in 1985. But continued to campaign until 2002.

One project involved preserving a bronze-age site which had been found in the rural woodland. Also the link to J. R. R. Tolkien as a child when he lived nearby on Wake Green Road. In the early 2000s they hoped to set up a Tolkien Centre (I don't think that happened, possibly due to the Tolkien Estate rights holders refusing permission). Sadly Joy died of her illness around 2003 (aged 63 or 64).

You can find an archived interview with Joy Fifer here: Your Honour: It's in her nature to keep campaigning; Joy Fifer MBE talks to Peter Rasmussen

 

As of 2021, there is a small bit of land near Moseley Bog being built on at Wake Green Road. This will be Extra Care flats. From Michael Blanning Housing Trust Association. The site has been behind hoardings for about 10 years (since the previous properties on that site were demolished). It would have been ideal to create a new entrance here to Moseley Bog, and a Visitor Centre, than yet another retirement village. A sign for the Wake Green Centre (from Birmingham City Council) is still visible from the roadside. At least one of the former properties looked like a Victorian townhouse, they were all demolished in 2015 (by the looks of Google Maps Street View).

 

Entering Joy's Wood from Yardley Wood Road

Back to my visit to Moseley Bog on Sunday 28th March 2021. I walked up Swanshurst Lane, with the aim of getting in the main entrance of Moseley Bog on Yardley Wood Road. But then saw this gate and entered Joy's Wood at this point.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Leaves have mostly not yet grown back on the trees, there is a dirt path leading into the wood.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Some daffodils line the dirt path alongside the trees.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Paths in two directions, I took the one leading close to the main Yardley Wood Road entrance of Moseley Bog.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

It was a little bit muddy down here, but wasn't slippy. Daffodils on the left.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Some of the daffodils seen growing to the left of the path.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is a large open field here, following the dirt track towards Moseley Bog.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The path leads to the main entrance of Moseley Bog at Yardley Wood Road.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is now a plaque erected in Autumn 2014 about Joy's Wood and the late Joy Fifer MBE. It was funded and erected by the Moseley Society, The Friends of Moseley Bog and Joy's Wood and the Saint Agnes (Moseley) Residents Association.

dndimg alt="Joy's Wood at Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joys Wood Moseley Bog (Mar 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
08 Mar 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Akamba Heritage Centre the Metal Zoo in Solihull!

There is a hidden gem in Solihull, not far from Whitlocks End Station. On Tythe Barn Lane in Dickens Heath is the Akamba Heritage Centre. A garden centre, plus a Metal Zoo with sculptures of zoo animals that you can see from the pavement opposite (without actually entering the site). A small piece of the African jungle in Solihull.

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Akamba Heritage Centre the Metal Zoo in Solihull!





There is a hidden gem in Solihull, not far from Whitlocks End Station. On Tythe Barn Lane in Dickens Heath is the Akamba Heritage Centre. A garden centre, plus a Metal Zoo with sculptures of zoo animals that you can see from the pavement opposite (without actually entering the site). A small piece of the African jungle in Solihull.


Akamba Heritage Centre is in Solihull. In an area more known for farmland and grass roots football clubs, the least likely place to find a centre like this is near Dickens Heath. It is on Tythe Barn Lane, a short walk away from Whitlocks End Station.

 

As their signs say: "The home of: Tribe Bar & Eatery (Caribbean Take Away), Uhuru Art Gallery, Juakali Metal Zoo. Specialise in African Art & Culture - Rare & Exotic Plants from all over the World. The Midlands Best Kept Secret. A Garden Centre like no other."

 

March 2018

The first walk past the Akamba Heritage Centre during a walk around Dickens Heath in Solihull. Was walking to Whitlocks End Station to get a train home.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sign on the right with details of the facilities here and contact details.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Could already see some of the metal zoo sculptures from the pavement opposite.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They have Tribe Bar & Eatery here. Caribbean Take Away.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Juakali Metal Zoo. Hot food and drinks. Plus a Gift Shop.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also some palm trees in the area outside, the UK weather must be a bit cold for what they have in Africa and the West Indies.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

An elephant and crocodile metal sculpture near the "We're open" sign.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up zoom in of the metal elephant.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Was also a metal hippo behind the "We're open" sign.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Mar 2018) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

February 2021

A walk from Shirley down Haslucks Green Road. Into Major's Green (Worcestershire). Then towards Whitlocks End Station, and up Tythe Barn Lane for another look at Akamba Heritage Centre. Closed of course as we are still on lockdown.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This time, first thing I spot was the palm trees. At least there was a bit of blue sky with the clouds!

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A metal horse. Unless it's meant to be a zebra?

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A metal bird with a long beak and tall legs. Possibly an African openbill. Or a stork.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Barbed wires above the gates. Metal elephant behind. Palm trees look nice, they survived the British winter.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A metal giraffe.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Despite the sign saying "We are open", I think they have been closed while we are still in lockdown. They probably reopened in 2020 from July to October, before the 2nd and 3rd lockdowns and the Tier 3 and 4 restrictions.

dndimg alt="Akamba Heritage Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Akamba HC (Feb 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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