Go Popular Tags

Posts

Let our community keep you entertained with regular articles that they would like to share with you.

Search our posts by passion or by type of post to find what you are looking for.

Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
10 May 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

In Memoriam by Luke Jerram at Aston Hall & Park

After a week of rain and hail on and off. Finally some decent sunny weather on Sunday. So I travelled up by bus to Aston to see In Memoriam by Luke Jerram at Aston Hall & Park. It's a free open air tempoary art installation, in memory of those lost during the pandemic and in tribute to the NHS. On for a couple of weeks in May 2021.

View feature View community

In Memoriam by Luke Jerram at Aston Hall & Park





After a week of rain and hail on and off. Finally some decent sunny weather on Sunday. So I travelled up by bus to Aston to see In Memoriam by Luke Jerram at Aston Hall & Park. It's a free open air tempoary art installation, in memory of those lost during the pandemic and in tribute to the NHS. On for a couple of weeks in May 2021.


In Memoriam is a temporary artwork by artist Luke Jerram at Aston Hall & Park, for a couple of weeks in May 2021. They are made out of bed sheets, white and blue. In memory of those lost during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic, and in tribute to the NHS.

There is an NHS Covid-19 QR code to scan to check in while you are there and hand sanitiser.

Aston Hall opened at 11am, and I popped into the courtyard to have a coffee. After that a look around Lady Holte's Garden again. Nice decent spring like weather. Note that the actual hall itself is not open to the public at this time. A one way system into the courtyard (NHS Covid-19 QR codes to scan as you go in, and in the cafe).

 

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Lady Holte's Garden

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (21).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="In Memoriam" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMLJ Aston HP (May 2021) (22).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bus: 65 or 67 to Lichfield Road (catch it from The Priory Queensway). Or 7 to Witton Road (catch it from Livery Street near Birmingham Snow Hill at Colmore Row).

Train to Aston or Witton station's (from Birmingham New Street).

Car parking is also available in Aston Park.

 

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

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
70 passion points
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.

View feature View community

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

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
70 passion points
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.

View feature View community

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

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
80 passion points
Elliott Brown Green open spaces
22 Feb 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Sunset & Moonlit Parks at Park Central

I've only really been past Sunset & Moonlit Parks at Park Central during February 2012, and not been back since (but have walked near Park Central in the years since). So memory will be a bit hazy being that this was from 9 years ago. Sunset Park is between Alfred Knight Way and Mason Way. Moonlit Park is between Bell Barn Road and Mosedale Way. In the Lee Bank area of Birmingham.

View feature View community

Sunset & Moonlit Parks at Park Central





I've only really been past Sunset & Moonlit Parks at Park Central during February 2012, and not been back since (but have walked near Park Central in the years since). So memory will be a bit hazy being that this was from 9 years ago. Sunset Park is between Alfred Knight Way and Mason Way. Moonlit Park is between Bell Barn Road and Mosedale Way. In the Lee Bank area of Birmingham.


Both Sunset Park and Moonlit Park can be found between Lee Bank Middleway and Bath Row at the Park Central development in the Lee Bank area of Central Birmingham. They stretch as far as Bristol Street.

This explore of the buildings around Park Central was during February 2012, but I didn't actually go into the parks at the time, and have not been back since. But in the years since, have done walks down Lee Bank Middleway, Bristol Street and Bath Row. Plus got photos of the new corner development (Roosevelt Luxury Apartments) near the Belgrave Interchange (including the new cycle paths).

 

Sunset Park

These views of Sunset Park taken on a walk down Alfred Knight Way. Probably got here via Wheeleys Lane and Longleat Avenue.

dndimg alt="Sunset Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sunset Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There is this metal ramp structure with metal steps in the park.

dndimg alt="Sunset Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sunset Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the railings on Alfred Knight Way, probably looking at the apartment buildings opposite.

dndimg alt="Sunset Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sunset Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

These apartments are certainly an improvement to what used to be here before.

dndimg alt="Sunset Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sunset Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Again looking more at the apartments and less at the park. Next heading onto Bell Barn Road.

dndimg alt="Sunset Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sunset Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Moonlit Park

Next up passing Moonlit Park on Bell Barn Road.

dndimg alt="Moonlit Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moonlit Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looks like a metal sculpture on concrete pillars.

dndimg alt="Moonlit Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moonlit Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Moonlit Park seen over on Bell Barn Road to the far right.

dndimg alt="Moonlit Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moonlit Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Basketball Court near Bell Barn Road.

dndimg alt="Moonlit Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moonlit Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Children's Play Area seen from Bell Barn Road, with what looks like a climbing frame for kids.

dndimg alt="Moonlit Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moonlit Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Corner of the park near Mosedale Way.

dndimg alt="Moonlit Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moonlit Park Park Central (Feb 2012) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Maybe once the 3rd lockdown ends, and I can go on the bus again, I might make an effort to travel to these parks and walk through them, never really thought about them in the past.

 

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

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
60 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
22 Feb 2021 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

A visit to Dudmaston Estate during October 2020

The last National Trust property visit of 2020 was to Dudmaston Estate in October 2020. It's in Shropshire. A 17th Century country house (not open apart from a gallery inside). Near the village of Quatt. As before booked the tickets online for a slot. The grounds you could walk about and explore. Tea Room was open, but you had to have your tea or coffee at picnic tables outside.

View feature View community

A visit to Dudmaston Estate during October 2020





The last National Trust property visit of 2020 was to Dudmaston Estate in October 2020. It's in Shropshire. A 17th Century country house (not open apart from a gallery inside). Near the village of Quatt. As before booked the tickets online for a slot. The grounds you could walk about and explore. Tea Room was open, but you had to have your tea or coffee at picnic tables outside.


Dudmaston

The National Trust property of Dudmaston is located near the village of Quatt in Shropshire. The country house dates to the 17th century. There is former farm buildings, some of which have been converted into a tea room and second hand book shop. There was a gallery you could visit (sanitise your hands before going in), but no photography allowed inside for copyright reasons (I think the family still live in the house). Tickets and time slot as before booked via the National Trust website (with tickets on EventBrite). If there was a gift shop, I think it was closed.

This visit was on the 18th October 2020 (so was about half a month before the second lockdown began).

 

Outbuildings at Dudmaston

The Outbuildings from the lawn. Near here was picnic tables. A queue for the toilets, sanitise your hands, wer your mask if you go in.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A courtyard near the Outbuildings. All the rooms here were closed. There was a one way system in place, so if you wanted, you could enter the gardens from this gate on the right.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Outbuildings from the garden. Due to the one way system in place, if you went out of the garden, then back in, you had to head this way to get out.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This gate to the courtyard looked nice, but it was no entry this way (you could only walk through them from the other direction).

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Private garden seen over the fence from the Kitchen Garden. Far end of the Outbuildings.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />
 

Dudmaston Hall

Round the back of Dudmaston Hall. A tent with National Trust volunteer, to register you before going into the exhibition / gallery. Sanitise your hands again, mask on. No photos allowed inside (tempting as it was).

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The back of Dudmaston Hall. It is a Grade II* listed building. A Queen Anne mansion. Built of red brick with stone dressings. Was also a 19th Century office and stable wing built in the Elizabethan style. Couldn't cross the rope on the left.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Heading down the hill, a look at Dudmaston Hall, an impresive looking house.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There was this Red Ivy going down the house. A bit like those poppy art installations around Remembrance time. Some old steps with urns.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another view of the house with the Red Ivy in the middle.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Red Ivy looked wonderful from any angle in the parkland.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

You could have a walk around the Dingle Walk. Eventually you would end up at the back of the Big Pool, with this wonderful picturesque view of Dudmaston Hall.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Parkland and gardens

A look down to the Big Pool at Dudmaston Estate.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sculpture in the garden, part of a trail. Spaceframe sculpted by Anthony Twentyman during 1985.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Seated bench area for relaxing and looking at the views of the picturesque parkland.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Greylag geese flying and landing in the Big Pool.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Kitchen Garden. Pumpkins in the greenhouse before Halloween.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Fingerpost on the Dingle Walk. Head right to the Garden, or left to the Dingle Walk.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Kept spotting this brick boathouse near the Big Pool, although didn't see any boats in the lake.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The South Lodge seen from the car as we left Dudmaston Estate. Now a private house. A Grade II listed building dating to the early 19th Century. Made of coursed sandstone rubble, with a tiled roof. The gate on exiting the estate was an automatic electric gate.

dndimg alt="Dudmaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudmaston Estate (Oct 2020) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hope to visit more National Trust properties in 2021, after the 3rd lockdown ends, if we are allowed to travel far again. Especially in the Spring or Summer months.

 

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

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
70 passion points
Show more