Love our parks - get involved!

As Lockdown rules start to enable more people to enjoy their parks and green spaces, we all want to ensure that these wonderful places of natural beauty are protected for all to enjoy.  This community collective will share some of the brilliant initiatives running across the UK and show just how, together, we can make a difference for the benefit of all.  Connect with us.

Over the next month and for the remainder of 2020, we will be growing our reach and pull together information and details on all the great work being carried out across communities as they collectively protect their parks.  

This will grow into a massive 'community-led' resource for people with a shared interest and passion for their local parks and green spaces.  

Here's just a few of the ideas and initiatives we will be telling you more about so we can share and get more people actively involved.

Litter picking groups - they do a fantastic job.  We'll connect you with your local group.

Art & Culture Trail.  We'll help you set up your trail and showcase your parks.

Walking clubs. We'll connect you and bring in more friends.

Park angels.  Volunteering with a difference.  We'll tell you more.

Creativity and green spaces collide.  Let's look at how art, music, photography and creativity in all its forms can help promote and protect our parks. 

Parks and mental health.  A walk, ride or jog in the park can do so much for your mental health.

There's something for everyone.

Connect with us and help us protect our parks. 

 

Chamberlain Gardens in Ladywood

In 2020-21 Chamberlain Gardens had new gates and railings installed. Located in Ladywood at Monument Road and Ladywood Road. Towards Beaufort Road. The parkland also has a playground, outdoor gym area, tennis and basketball courts. A short walk to Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Reservoir. Ladywood Middleway and Broadway Plaza are also nearby. 

Chamberlain Gardens, Ladywood

During 2020 and 2021, Birmingham City Council has installed new railings and gates at Chamberlain Gardens in Ladywood. The parkland is at the heart of a Council housing estate, many of the tower blocks here have been reclad in recent years.

I found at least four new gates, from Beaufort Road, at the Calthorpe Entrance, at Cawdor Crescent, is the Winfield Entrance. Further up Cawdor Crescent to Monument Road is Perrotts Entrance, and at the Monument Road corner with Ladywood Road is the Osler Entrance.

Chamberlain Gardens was first developed in the 1960s, and was named after the former Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain (1836 - 1914), he served three terms from 1873 to 1876, before he resigned the office when he got elected to Parliament.

 

2014

I first briefly went into Chamberlain Gardens back in October 2014. I was close to the corner of Monument Road and Ladywood Road at the time. This sign for Chamberlain Gardens, A Barclays Space for Sports.

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It was very autumnal at the time, when I spotted this hut in the middle near the trees.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns (Oct 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The roof was missing some tiles at the time. What was it used for in the past, a ticket kiosk, or somewhere to buy ice cream? Anyone know?

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns (Oct 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

2021

Fast forward to July 2021, and it was time to check out Chamberlain Gardens. Last year I went to see Perrotts Folly and the Edgbaston Waterworks Tower again, but at the time decided to not pop into the park. There is now new gates that have been installed since I was last in the area.

Welcome to Chamberlain Gardens. This is the Calthorpe Entrance at Beaufort Road in Ladywood. It is near Kenrick House.

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Passing Kenrick House from the Beaufort Road entrance into the park.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Council has recently cut the grass here.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look to the Chamberlain Gardens Playground.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next to that was the Chamberlain Gardens Outdoor Gym Area.

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Heading to Cawdor Crescent, to check out the next gate.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is the Winfield Entrance at Cawdor Crescent.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading along Cawdor Crescent, double yellow lines, so no cars parked here.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the tennis and basketball courts from Cawdor Crescent.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Between Cawdor Crescent and Monument Road is the next gate, this is Perrotts Entrance. It is close to Perrotts Folly (which is on Reservoir Road). Although Noel Road is closer at this point.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back into the park, there is a view here towards The Mercian.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look at the hut I saw all those years ago. The roof is now repaired by the looks of it, but it is still unused.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the paths seems to have been resurfaced here, maybe it is suitable for cyclists.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now heading along the path near Monument Road towards Ladywood Road.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Nice reflection on the newly laid path of a tree.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path curves around past the trees near Ladywood Road.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Out of the park one last time. This is the Osler Entrance at the corner of Ladywood Road and Monument Road.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From here, it was a short walk to Ladywood Middleway along Monument Road. It was very hot and sunny.

 

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

The message from the residents of Springfield Road, Kings Heath is clear: "SLOW DOWN 20 IS PLENTY!"

Since the introduction of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme to Kings Heath in 2020, it has resulted in heavy levels of traffic on the High Street and Vicarage Road. As a result, car drivers have been taking shortcuts down Springfield Road. The speed limit is 20 miles per hour, but many are exceeding this. Residents have yarn bombed lampposts and bollards all the way down the road.

The problem with Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Kings Heath

While the Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme in Kings Heath has been designed for pedestrians and cyclists. It has created issues for car drivers. Residents live on those streets, and how do they get their cars out? As a result, traffic is now always busy up and down the Kings Heath High Street, as well as Vicarage Road, due to so many streets being closed to motorists. Residents of Vicarage Road have signs in their windows, such as "We need clean air too!".

 

Yarn bombing on Springfield Road, Kings Heath

Over on Springfield Road (from Poplar Road, Valentine Road and Cambridge Road towards Brook Lane) the speed limit is 20 miles per hour. There is even speed bumps. But idiot car drivers continue to exceed this speed limit.

So local residents have been getting busy during the last lockdown, knitting, and yarn bombing lampposts and bollards up and down the road. As you will see in the examples below.

Photos taken on the afternoon of Sunday 27th June 2021. Starting from near Cambridge Road Methodist Church.

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dndimg alt="Slow Down 20 Springfield Road Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Slow Down Springfield Rd KH (Jun 2021) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Instead of driving a car down here at 100 miles per hour, perhaps walk, or ride a bike? Or catch a bus? (note that riding private electronic scooters is illegal on roads or pavements, even in Kings Heath).

 

This is near the Outer Circle bus route 11. The 11A bus stop on Brook Lane near Moseley Golf Club, while the bus stop for the 11C is on Addison Road. The 35 and 50 are a short walk away on the High Street (walk via Valentine Road, Poplar Road, Heathfield Road, Institute Road or Addison Road).

 

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

West Midlands Cycle Hire docking points all around the West Midlands

So far I have found the docks for West Midlands Cycle Hire in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Walsall. I have yet to travel back to the boroughs of Dudley or Sandwell or the City of Wolverhampton to see them. But it's time for a post. Been gathering photos of the docks from April to June 2021, and will probably get more on my travels around the West Midlands in the months to come.

Birmingham

Mostly in the City Centre and at the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston. Also in Sutton Coldfield.

 

Birmingham City Centre

Location: Digbeth, Birmingham, West Midlands. Opposite of Digbeth Police Station.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Digbeth 25052021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Park Street, Birmingham, West Midlands. Near Selfridges.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire BCC 27052021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Moor Street Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands. Between Primark and Birmingham Moor Street Station.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Moor St Qway (May 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Fore Street, Birmingham, West Midlands. Between Cannon Street and Corporation Street. Not far from Corporation Street Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Fore St 12062021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Paradise Street, Birmingham, West Midlands. At Town Hall Tram Stop and near Birmingham Town Hall and Victoria Square.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Town Hall TS 12062021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Station Street, Birmingham, West Midlands. Below the Southside Steps of Birmingham New Street Station.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire BCC 27052021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Summer Row, Birmingham, West Midlands. Next to University College Birmingham. Seen from Paradise Circus Queensway.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire BCC 27052021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Bath Row, Birmingham, West Midlands. Opposite St Thomas' Peace Garden. Near Park Central and Lee Bank.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Bath Row 15062021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

University of Birmingham

Location: Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands. Near the University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness Centre. Close to Edgbaston Park Road (also the South and East Gate of the University of Birmingham).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire UoB (Jun 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Ring Road South, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands. Near the University of Birmingham School of Chemistry.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire UoB (Jun 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: New Fosse Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands. Between the University of Birmingham  (West Gate) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (and not far from University Station).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire UoB (May 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sutton Coldfield

Location: Monmouth Drive, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, West Midlands. Near the Boldmere Gate of Sutton Park.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Sutton Park (Jun 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Coventry

Location: Butts Road, Coventry, West Midlands. Near the Premier Inn Coventry City Centre (Earlsdon Park) and Albany Theatre.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Butts Cov 12062021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Corporation Street, Coventry, West Midlands. outside of a Coffee Shop called Shakeout.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Corp Cov 12062021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Solihull

Location: High Street, Solihull. Close to Hunters and the Masons Arms public house.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Solihull High St (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Station Approach, Solihull, West Midlands. Opposite of Solihull Station.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Sol 18052021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Station Road, Solihull, West Midlands. Close to Indian Brewery.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Sol 18052021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands. Close to Solihull Hospital.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM Cycle Hire Sol 18052021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walsall

Location: Broadway North, Walsall, West Midlands. Outside of Walsall Arboretum.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMCH Walsall Arb (Jun 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Can riders remember to properly dock the bikes when they are finished. Don't just randomly leave them on a pavement nowhere near a dock. They have GPS trackers on them (I think).

 

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

Olton Reservoir: only viewable from the train between Solihull and Olton

There is a reservoir in Olton, Solihull. It is private, so there is no way for members of the public to walk around it. But you can spot Olton Reservoir from the train between Olton and Solihull, on the bridge that goes over the Warwick Road. It is used by Olton Mere Sailing Club. It was built in 1799 to supply water to the Warwick and Birmingham Canal, later part of the Grand Union Canal.

Olton Reservoir

Located near the Chiltern Mainline and the Warwick Road in Olton, Solihull is Olton Reservoir. From the road / pavement it is a bit hard to see. But if you catch a train with West Midlands Railway (or Chiltern Railways) between Olton and Solihull (or in the other direction), you might be able to see the reservoir through the railway bridge that crosses the Warwick Road.

 

History of Olton Reservoir

Olton Mere was constructed as a reservoir to act as a feeder for the Warwick and Birmingham Canal in 1799 (it became part of the Grand Union Canal from 1927 onwards, after being purchased by the Regents Canal Company). The Mere was formed from marshland fed by Folly Brook (now Hatchford Brook). The Mere was extended in 1834 to increase the capacity in order to supply up to 150 locks.

It is the largest of the few areas of open water in Solihull and supports a large number of waterfowl. The woodland surrounding the Mere has remained undisturbed for many years, providing an important habitat for plants and animals.

There is no public access to the Mere but there is a good view of the Mere from the trains travelling between Solihull and Olton. Sailing on the Mere started in 1899 when five residents of St Bernard’s Road leased the reservoir from the canal company. A club was formed for sailing, fishing and shooting, although shooting was suspended in 1926 owing to a shortage of wildfowl.

The reservoir is now privately owned by the Canal & River Trust, who in turn lease it to the Olton Mere Sailing Club.

 

Below is the satellite hybrid view of Olton Reservoir on Google Maps.

dndimg alt="Olton Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Olton Res Google Maps.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On my YouTube video above (in the introduction), recorded in early February 2017 on a London Midland Class 172 train from Acocks Green to Solihull. We pass Olton Reservoir from 2:20 to about 2:43.

 

Three video screenshots from that video. First screenshot passing over the Warwick Road Railway Bridge.

dndimg alt="Olton Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Olton Reservoir (Feb 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Second screenshot, a view of Olton Reservoir from the train.

dndimg alt="Olton Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Olton Reservoir (Feb 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view continues, although it was sunny, and the sun was on that side of the train.

dndimg alt="Olton Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Olton Reservoir (Feb 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A more recent view of Olton Reservoir, taken from the train, back in April 2018 (over 3 years ago at the time of this post). Time time caught some yachts on the reservoir from the Olton Mere Sailing Club. This was taken from a Chiltern Railways Class 165 train (sitting in the Quiet Zone), on a train ride from Solihull to Birmingham Moor Street.

dndimg alt="Olton Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Olton Reservoir (Apr 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Warwick Road railway bridge, Olton

This is the railway bridge on the Warwick Road in Olton, Solihull where you can see Olton Reservoir. This view from June 2010, as a Chiltern Railways Class 168 Clubman train passed over it. You can see the reservoir from the train window. If it's clear and not too bright that is (or raining).

dndimg alt="Warwick Road railway bridge Olton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warwick Rd RB Olton (Jun 2010).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By October 2016, Network Rail had give the bridge a fresh lick of green paint, making it look as good as new.

dndimg alt="Warwick Road railway bridge Olton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warwick Rd RB Olton (Oct 2016).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look at the Warwick Road railway bridge in Olton during February 2021. Taken during a lockdown 3 walk to the Grand Union Canal and back home. If you are in a car, sorry you won't be able to spot the reservoir from down there. I didn't get a train again until April 2021 (after restrictions were eased). But not got a train between Solihull and Olton since sometime in 2020.

dndimg alt="Warwick Road railway bridge Olton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warwick Rd RB Olton (Feb 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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