In Acocks Green is a hidden green space called the Westley Vale Millennium Green.

Signs at the gate to the Westley Vale Millennium Green from Malvern Road in Acocks Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The main entrance is on The Avenue. As you walk beyond the gate, there is street art (still there) by street artist Hoakser, that was painted in early 2015. There is also an entrance from Malvern Road. One path leads to a footbridge over the Grand Union Canal from Woodcock Lane. People are expected to take the rubbish home with them. Sometimes there is weird people hanging about, so best not to stick around for too long. The Westley Brook flows through here.

Millennium Greens were formed following Government support at the beginning of the 21st Century. It was 5.5 acres of disused allotment land that was transformed. It was opened in 2000 by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. Improvements were made in 2015-16.

Millennium Greens Breathing Spaces sign from The Avenue at Westley Vale Millennium Green (February 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Winter at Westley Vale Millennium Green 

The gates on The Avenue at Westley Vale Millennium Green (February 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Spring at Westley Vale Millennium Green 

Westley Vale Millennium Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Summer at Westley Vale Millennium Green 

Westley Vale Millennium Green (July 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Street at by Hoakser at Westley Vale Millennium Green 

Hoakser painted various animals here such as foxes, badgers, and owls etc during March 2015. Seen on the main entrance from The Avenue.

Street art by Hoakser painted in March 2015. Westley Vale Millennium Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Fox.

Street art by Hoakser painted in March 2015. Westley Vale Millennium Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Squirrel and magpie.

Street art by Hoakser painted in March 2015. Westley Vale Millennium Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Domestic ducks and blue tits.

Street art by Hoakser painted in March 2015. Westley Vale Millennium Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Grand Union Canal near Westley Vale Millennium Green

A good place to start a walk up or down the Grand Union Canal in Acocks Green, is from the Westley Vale Millennium Green. Head down the steps from the bridge near Woodcock Lane North.

Steps down to the Grand Union Canal towpath from the bridge near Westley Vale Millennium Green (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Grand Union Canal in Acocks Green. Very tranqual here. This way towards Tyseley, Small Heath and Birmingham City Centre. The other direction towards Olton and Solihull (and onto London via Warwick and Leamington Spa).

View of the Grand Union Canal from the Woodcock Lane Bridge. Westley Vale Millennium Green to the left (May 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Woodcock Lane Bridge is over 220 years old dating to the late 18th Century and is Grade II listed.

View of the Woodcock Lane Bridge from the Grand Union Canal. Westley Vale Millennium Green to the left (July 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown