Photos by Daniel Sturley

Birmingham's skyscraper pipeline is actively heating up.

St Joseph Homes - a subsidiary of building giant Berkeley Group had their plans approved (July 2019) to develop a major mixed-use development in the heart of the city.

Seven new builds of varying sizes will go up, including a landmark 123m, 37-storey tower, in the ever evolving Eastside district of the city.

After 18 months of pre-application meetings and consultations, the scheme, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, was openly welcomed by the planning committee.

The project will see a total of 753 homes over three plots.

Across these, 364 one-bedroom, 369 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom units will be created.

Artist Impressions by Glenn Howells Architects

The scheme will also see an 18-storey building built, with the remainder being mostly nine storeys tall.

"Our vision for the site is to create an inclusive community that will reconnect the rich heritage of Eastside Locks with this dynamic and innovative quarter of Birmingham." - Glenn Howells

The £200m development will include up to 20K square foot of flexible commercial space, with the inclusion of a gym, cinema and games room, plus new public and private open spaces.

Artist Impressions by Glenn Howells Architects

These three new public spaces include Glassworks Square, Lawley Plaza and Pound Basin.

You can see the layout below. Glassworks is labeled as no.4, Lawley Plaza is no.5 and Pound Basin is no.6.

Whilst Pound Basin is effectively part of the waterway, commercial usages will overlook the canal and provide a picturesque seating area for both the public and residents alike.

Eastside Locks layout by Glenn Howells Architcts

All will form welcoming gateways into Eastside Locks and provide a sense of place.

Pedestrians will take priority here, in what will be a car free environment, with canalside walkways at varying levels offering a choice of routes through the site with active frontages providing retail and leisure facilities along the way. 

Each plot will include secure basement level car and cycle parking for 769 bikes and a capacity for 108 cars, including 15 disabled and 10 electric charging points.

Visual impact picture by Glenn Howells Architects

The site today sits largely derelict, with just a wall near the canal due to be demolished.

BEELINE TO BIRMINGHAM

Berkeley have traditionally focused on London and the southeast market in recent times, however, with Birmingham booming, they are making a beeline to the Second City in a bid to exploit housing demand in the city.

And they have grand plans, too.

“We have ambitious, long term plans for Birmingham and these sites will be followed by many others in the years to come.” - Tony Pidgeley, CEO of Berkeley Group

One of which is the 21-storey canalside Snow Hill Wharf complex, a 406-apartment scheme on Shadwell Street in the Gun Quarter, which is currently under construction, and can be viewed here: https://www.itsyourbuild.com/project/105687

PROJECT OVERVIEW 

Plot D: (37 storey tower) - 127 one bed, 138 two bed & 8 three bed apartments with concierge service and three commercial units on the ground floor.

Plot E: (Four 9 storey blocks) - 180 one bed and 132 two bed apartments with podiums providing communal outdoor amenity space. The ground floor will  accommodate a residents lounge, games room, cinema and entrance to the basement car park, plus three units of flexible commercial floorspace.

Plot F: (Part 1, 5, 10 & 18 storeys) - 57 one bed, 99 two bed and 12 three bed apartments along with two units of flexible commercial floorspace, with concierge and a gym.  The roof above the commercial units and central plant area will also provide a communal outdoor amenity area for residents.

To keep up with these exciting developments, be sure to follow www.ItsyourBuild.com, @GtrBhamDevs and @itsyourbuild on Twitter

Back in August 2014, had a day out in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, and that including a must see visit to the Cotswold Motoring Museum, the home of Brum!

BRUM is seen inside the museum where he starts his journey in each episode heading to the Big Town! (as in Birmingham). Eyes lit up.

He got up to many advetures in the Big Town. Objects may end up inside him!

They had a clip of the title sequence on the TV behind BRUM.

Getting BRUM from many angles. There was other full size cars in here too.

BRUM from the back.

The museum from the outside. This view might be familiar to viewers of BRUM!. The bridge that BRUM! drives over in the title sequence. The view of the museum and bridge with the River Windrush. The bridge is Grade II listed and dates from the 18th century.

Closer up to the Motor Museum from the bridge on the River Windrush.. At the time was various classic cars outside including some Mini's.

"Home of Brum". This sign confirms that I was at the right place. Areas of the museum include "Car Heaven", "Memory Lane" and a "Toy Collection".

In the show, BRUM would driver out of the museum this way, then cross the bridge to the right on the way to the Big Town (Birmingham). More of those classic cars on display back in August 2014.

This balloon outside celebrating BRUM being on TV for 20 years. BRUM was first shown on CBBC in 1991 in it's original run. There was 5 series between 1991 and 2002 (not every year). It's now 28 years since BRUM first started on the BBC. It was developed by Ragdoll Productions. The museum owner Mike Cavanagh the real life museum owner was a character in the show (usually at the beginning and end of the show). He owned the museum until 1999.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

These trains have been converted to look like the characters from Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends created by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry.

I visited the East Anglian Railway Museum in Wakes Colne near Colchester in Essex on the 20th June 2019 during my week in Suffolk and East Anglia.

Seen in the Restoration Shed was:

Thomas: 0-6-0 Saddle Tank No 54 Works No 7031 / 41

Built by Kitson and Company Ltd, Leeds. Spent it's life hauling iron ore wagons at Stewarts and Lloyds, Corby. Withdrawn from service in 1969. In 2008 it had side tanks added and looks similar to Thomas the Tank Engine.

Percy: 0-4-0 Saddle Tank 'Jubilee' Works Number: 2542 / 35

Built in 1935 by W.G. Bagnall & Sons Ltd of Stafford. It came to the museum in 1976. Returned to traffic in 2007. Painted bright green and received some cosmetic changes to be Percy the Small Engine from Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

Toby: John Fowler 0-4-0DH Works No. 4220039 7

Converted cosmetically to be 'Toby' for Day out with Thomas events. Painted in brown and grey along with the Number 7 Magnet. Seen outside along with other trains of the museums collection.

Seen in the Goods Shed was:

Henrietta: Replica build, four wheeled coach.

A former 4-wheeled Ferrywagon built at Shildon in 1978, was converted in their workshops between 2000 to 2004 to becoem a replica Wisbech and Upwell Tramway coach.

A look inside of this coach. Looked a bit like a street tram or light rail train. Was also Thomas the Tank Engine books on the seats. During Steam Days, visitors can have a ride on this train. It's unlikely that I'll go back for a Steam Day to ride on it though.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Photos by Daniel Sturley

Photos by Daniel Sturley

The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum of rebuilt historic buildings in Dudley.

 

Till we meet again.........

We'll Meet Again" is a 1939 British song made famous by singer Vera Lynn. The song is one of the most famous of the Second World War era, and resonated with soldiers going off to fight as well as their families and sweethearts.

 

A senior officers uniform - There are many uniforms worn by the armed forces, clearly identifying ranks.

Women typically wore head scarves & turbans during the 1940's

Dress colors were cheerful & vibrant from pastel pink, yellow, blue and purple to mint green & gold. During the war fashion as clothes were in short supply and rationed, people were encouraged to 'Make do and mend'. Older clothes were transformed into modern style. Ladies hats came in many shapes, styles and colors.

The bowler hat & pipe were common place during the 1940's

In 1940, two million British men aged between 19 - 27 years, who were not working in 'reserved occupations', were ordered to fight. This was known as being "called up". They were trained and sent off to war.

All photography courtesy Barry Whitehead 

 

 

 

 

Christine's photographs have all been taken at either the beautiful Botanical Gardens, The Unique Winterbourne House and Gardens, or her own lovely garden in Kings Heath!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photography courtesy Christine Wright 

Previous post here: Stourbridge Shuttle in 2013 and 2017 (in the London Midland era). Since I've seen on Social Media that the Stourbridge Shuttle has had new West Midlands Railway orange and purple livery on their pair of trains I had to check it out. So got a train from my local station to Stourbridge Junction to ride the Shuttle again!

Stourbridge Junction

West Midlands Railway Stourbridge Shuttle arriving at Platform 1 at Stourbridge Junction Station on Saturday 13th July 2019. Moments before I had just got off my West Midlands Railway Class 172 train from Birmingham, before getting on this.

Pulling into the platform.

A close up look at the new orange and purple livery. Still yellow at both ends.

Later after I came back from Stourbridge Town Station took these with the newly painted orange and black paintwork at Stourbridge Junction.

Only a 4 minute wait until my train home to Birmingham. Many of the stations from the Jewellery line to the Worcester via Kidderminster line now have these colours, and some with new West Midlands Railway signs.

Stourbridge Town

I had just arrived at Stourbridge Town Station again, this time with West Midlands Railway Stourbridge Shuttle 139 001.

No sooner had the last load of passengers got off, the next load got on!

Buffer view from Stourbridge Interchange. The walk into the Town Centre as usual via the Bus Station and subways.

Later after another look around Stourbridge, which this time included a look around Mary Stevens Park, a short walk later was back at Stourbridge Town to catch the Shuttle back to Stourbridge Junction!

Heading round the bends. Inside they still have green seats, but have put up new purple signs to ready enjoy.

Signs inside and out

External signs of West Midlands Railway Stourbridge Shuttle 139001. On the side this one says 39001. Pre Metro Operations Proudly operated for West Midlands Railway. First photo taken before I got on at Stourbridge Junction. Second photo later taken when I returned to Stourbridge Junction.

Inside when you sit down, there are new signs on both sides of the train.

A (cute) internet sensation. All the Stations: Geoff Marshall & Vicki Pipe went on the Stourbridge Shuttle in summer 2017.

Raise a glass (or two). Stourbridge has produced glass since the early 1600s.

Leaving a legacy to our town. Ernest Stevens a manufacturer. He gifted parks to the town.

A local Lion roars across the pond. The first ever steam locomotive to run in the USA was the 'Stourbridge Lion'.

Some more signs I saw inside.

Welcome to the Stourbridge Shuttle. Enjoy the ride on the Stourbridge branch line.

Thanks for travelling on the Stourbridge Shuttle. They hope you enjoyed the ride.

We're small but mighty. Connection Junction to Town is only 3/4 mile long, and is believed to be the shortest passenger branch line in Europe.

We like to move it, move it. The small little Shuttle is an ingenious little train.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

From Fort Dunlop looking all directions and even managing to include a setting sun.

Photography by Daniel Sturley.

Photography by Karl Newton

Photography by Stephen Giles

Thanks guys, great work capturing some great views as day turned into night over Birmingham.

Photography by Daniel Sturley

Photos by Daniel Sturley

Birmingham Airport opened in July 1939, so in July 2019 it is now 80 years old. Originally as Elmdon Airport. The new terminal buildings opened in 1984 originally as Terminal 1 and 2, but it's now just one terminal, and was previously called Birmingham International Airport. The terminals merged in 2011, while the runway extension opened in 2014. The new Air Traffic Control Tower was opened in 2013.

There is a pair of finger posts outside of the Birmingham Airport Terminal buildings and near the car parks. You would see them if you get out of a taxi, or off the bus. This one for the Midlands destinations, so more for holiday makers from overseas coming into Birmingham. From Birmingham to Oxfordshire and beyond! Seen in November 2015.

But if you are heading overseas to mainland Europe, then how many miles or kilometers are your destinations? Listed here from Berlin to Paris and Dublin. Seen during February 2017.

Getting out of the taxi with your suitcase around this area. So was a bit awkward stopping to take photos of the Airport buildings. Departures are normally to the far right of here. These views from June 2012.

Then again if you are arriving back at Birmingham Airport, you might exit via these doors, heading to your taxi or bus. The taxi rank is to the left. While local buses stop at stops to the right.

Hello World. You may see this sign and some other languages before you head in to the check in desks for your airline.

The bus stops at Birmingham Airport. The X1 runs between Birmingham and Coventry. The X12 between Solihull and Birmingham via Chelmsley Wood. National Express coaches also stop near here. Seen here during February 2017. Hotels nearby here as well.

Hello World. Welcome to Birmingham Airport. Seen during November 2015. You can't yet fly into the Earth's orbit. Just above the clouds.

The Hello World sign was near the then Thomson Airways check in desks. They are now TUI. Put your suitcase on the conveyor belt, and it will be weighed, and the staff member will put a tag on your bag, and scan your passport. Plus print off your boarding pass!

The fastest way from A to Flybe. Once you are done with checking in your luggage, you can head up to Departures this way. Passengers only. Get ready for security. Once you have passed through there, Duty Free is next then the large Departures lounge. You may end up waiting up to 2 hours before you get onto your plane.

Saw this during June 2017, while checking into the Flybe desks. Jet2 Holidays had a 22KG baggage limit for your hold luggage. If you go with Ryanair, we found that you had to print off your boarding passes in advance, and pay extra to have your hand luggage in the overhead lockers as Priority booking. Also found in May 2019, that we had to use the e-check-in machines (meaning we had to scan our passport ourselves and print off the label for the suitcase). Birmingham Airport also has e-Gates for your passports, but not on every side. Coming back with Ryanair, was the normal Border Control manned gates / desks. But used e-gates over in Barcelona Airport.

The check in desks for Lufthansa and Swiss - Economy Class. This was the view from Caffe Nero during November 2018. At the far end was Qatar Airways.

It was June 2018 and saw this as I left the Departures Lounge heading to get my Jet2.com plane. Friendly low fares. I had the aisle seat, so was unable to get windows out of the plane window on the way to Italy (but got a window seat on the way back). You usually have to wait until the gate is announced, so sit around and wait, before queuing up.

Near the area for the Flybe and Jet2 gates was another Duty Free. Much smaller than the bigger one between Security and the Departures Lounge. A much smaller World of Duty Free. Seen June 2017. There is also a bar around here, and another Costa Coffee. We would only get something from Duty Free overseas, not here at Birmingham!

In June 2012, just on my Thomson Airways plane, saw the new Air Traffic Control Tower in the distance from the plane window. It had the Olympic Rings on it, while London had the London 2012 Olympic Games on (later taken down after the games had finished).

It was the beginning of July 2018, and had just come back to Birmingham Airport in the late evening after dark. To these wonderful lights, that I saw before heading to the right to get a taxi back home. You can also head left to the buses and Air Rail Link (it closes at a certain time of night).

The Birmingham Airport sign at Arrivals after dark. Looking peaceful, and not many people about by the looks of it.

Birmingham Airport started here at the Elmdon Airport building back in 1939! Seen from the X1 NXWM Platinum bus during February 2017. It is now a Grade II listed building Elmdon Terminal Building, Birmingham Airport since August 2018. Hopefully it will get some use in the future.

Decided to add planes to a future post rather than this one! Also you can arrive at Birmingham International Station by train, before heading to the airport and getting your plane!

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images by Stephen Giles

Photos by Daniel Sturley

 

 

Centenary Square

The new Centenary Square was officially opened on the 3rd July 2019, along with a big area with water jet fountains. Which people can walk into or have fun in. I popped along on Sunday 7th July 2019 to see what all the fuss was about! Along with the new lighting columns, the various buildings are reflected in the water.

This view: Symphony Hall, The ICC, The REP and Library of Birmingham.

This view of The REP, Library of Birmingham, Baskerville House and the Hall of Memory towards Paradise Birmingham.

This isn't the first time a water jet fountain has been in the square. From about 1991 to 2009, the Spirit of Enterprise fountain by Tom Lomax. Seen below during April 2009. It was removed to storage and is still at the Birmingham Museums Collections Centre. Unlikely to ever return, which is sad.

It was such a nice fountain. This view towards Symphony Hall and The REP. This is now the site of the Library of Birmingham Amphitheatre. I believe there used to be another fountain in the gardens that preceded the 1991 Centenary Square, but not sure what happened to that. It didn't end up in the Peace Garden like the Colonnade did.

Victoria Square

The remodelling of Victoria Square which was opened in May 1993 by the late Diana Princess of Wales included the bronze sculpture everyone knows as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi. But officially called River and Youth. They were made by Dhruva Mistry. Seen in November 2010 in one of the periods when the Council got the fountain working. This view looking up to the Council House.

But in recent years, there has been a leak that they have been unable to repair. So by 2015, the Council had plants and flowers put here instead. This view towards Chamberlain Square when Birmingham Central Library still stood (closed in 2013, demolished in 2016).

Chamberlain Square

The Chamberlain Memorial in Chamberlain Square also has it's own fountain. Seen below during April 2009, when Birmingham Central Library and Paradise Forum were still open. In the late 1960s, the pools around the fountain were removed, but in 1978, to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee, The Birmingham Civic Society designed and paid for the pools to be reinstated. The Portland stone spire underwent a major clean in 1994. Expect the area to change when Paradise Birmingham eventually reopens the square in the future.

Close up of the pool in front of the Chamberlain Memorial with the small water jet fountain (this was also April 2009). Lets hope that this is opened up again sooner rather than later (at this rate the early to mid 2020s?).

Close up taken during February 2010. Obviously the original pools before the 1960s redevelopment was much bigger, and this replacement was much smaller. Will Paradise Birmingham have room to have the Chamberlain Memorial back to it's 1880s glory? Only time will tell.

Brindleyplace

The water jet fountains seen in Central Square, Brindleyplace back in May 2009. Near Three and Two Brindleyplace. You can walk down the steps towards the Central Cafe (Costa Coffee). This fountain is still on, and regularly maintained by the Brindleyplace Estate.

This view towards Two Brindleyplace and Six Brindleyplace with Costa Coffee to the right. It is still like this over 10 years later.

Bullring

There used to be a Three Cubes fountain sculpture in the Bullring from about 2003 (when the Bullring reopened) until about early 2011 (before the Spiceal Street redevelopment took over this part of the Bullring). This view from April 2009, looking towards Borders and Starbucks Coffee (both no longer there, but there is now a Starbucks further around to the right).

By December 2010, got this nightshot of the Three Cubes. Borders had been replaced by Jamie's Italian (they have recently closed down due to Jamie's Italian going into administration). The Spiceal Street redevelopment resulted in a new fountain near the new steps.

The Three Cubes was replaced by this artwork when the new Spiceal Street development opened in late 2011. Seen here in August 2013. Heading up the step from St Martin's Square towards the statue of Horatio Nelson. Quotes here include "Warms the walls of our city. And will do again".

Heading up the steps during July 2019. The water trickling down the wall is a bit more clear here. More quotes include "Thrums to a different beat beneath our feet".

Eastside

Another lost fountain. This one was near Millennium Point in Eastside close to Jennens Road. I would say that it was probably built in 2001 when Millennium Point was went up. These views from September 2009. Years later it was switched off. And the site was later used to build the new Birmingham Conservatoire for BCU (now the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire).

It was only a small fountain, but had water jets and a small waterfall. If you go there now you will only see the Conservatoire, and the path leading to the rear entrances of Millennium Point. Aston University is still on the other side of Jennens Road (in 2009 the student residences were still under construction).

Eastside City Park opened in 2012 and it included fountains. Near Millennium Point and the Parkside Building of Birmingham City University was this fountain canal. Seen during April 2013, before it got rusted for the water jets being continually on. The Parkside Building wa under construction at the time.

In this nightshot view from December 2014, the fountains down here were already showing signs of rust on the white walls. More recently on my walks through the park, and out of Millennium Point, I've noticed that this has been turned off, and no water in the canal.

There was one more fountain in Eastside City Park, on this area near The Woodman pub. This view from June 2013. Used to see kids playing in these jets. But more recently it has been turned off (perhaps when the Big Wheel was here last Christmas). Normally see a group of skateboarders doing tricks around this area.

In this April 2014 view you can see the water jets towards The Woodman pub and Curzon Street Station. With the viaduct on the railway lines into Birmingham New Street Station. This was similar to what we now have in Centenary Square, but on a much smaller scale.

Aston University

We will finish off here with Aston University. I see this one in the lake at Lakeside most days of the week. It's the Peace sculpture by William Pye, made in 1985. This view from May 2009 towards what is now the Matthew Boulton Campus of Birmingham Metropolitan College (formerly Matthew Boulton College). You would usually see Canada geese around this area.

Near the main building at Aston University is Tipping Triangles by the sculptor Angela Conner. Commissioned in 1987, started to be made in 1989, then unveiled in 1994. Stainless steel. This view from March 2014. I'm not sure if this is fountain or not as I've never seen water coming out of the sculpture, but obviously the pool below has water.

Closer to the main entrance to Aston University if this fountain / water jets. Looks like flowers spitting water out in every direction! Observed during April 2017. There is a regular water jet behind the two sprouting flower fountains.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

 

Let's start in the beautiful Snowdonia - here's a stunning view looking towards Pen yr Ole Wen from Ogwen Bank.

Photo courtesy Tim Jones.

And another from Snowdonia, this time of Nant Ffrancon.

Photo courtesy Tim Jones.

Maybe, it was the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast for you watching the ferry in the distance leaving for Ireland.

Photo courtesy Pembrokeshire Coast & Wildlife

For some, it was a day at the Wales Air Show in Swansea.

Photos courtesy Duane Evans. 

There were some amazing photo opportunities at the Air Show.

Photo courtesy Joann Randles

Some took in a spot of formation wing-walking.

Photo courtesy Tony Batey-Isingrini

Maybe you were lucky enough to get your own personal fly by from the Red Arrows.

Photo courtesy Richard Moult

For many, it was a day at the Welsh marathon at beautiful Tenby. (Special shout out to the Wales Air Ambulance from Gareth!)

Photo courtesy Gareth Davies

For those lucky enough to be close by, it was a mesmerising magenta sunset at Saundersfoot to finish off the day.

Photo courtesy Nicky Mallen

Of course Anglesey enjoyed the same welsh wonder, with this sunset at Holyhead.

Photo courtesy Anthony Ward

And what about the magic at Penmon Lighthouse as bioluminescent plankton reacted to a paddle boarder and waves – okay may have been the week before we just had to include this welsh wonder!

Photos courtesy Phil Taylor

Then it was time for the moon to set over a tranquil Craig Goch Reservoir at the Elan Valley.

Courtesy @Elan Valley

Or maybe still time to take in a bit of night sky gazing at  the Three Cliffs Bay.

Photo courtesy Karl McCarthy

Wherever you choose to spend your time, you're always in for a treat in Wales!.

Thank you to our amazing contributors and people with real passion for Wales.  Watch out for more of our special week and weekends in Wales posts as part of our Summer long feature.

Cannon Hill Park is a park located in Birmingham, It's the most popular park in the city, covering 250 acres consisting of formal, conservation, woodland and sports areas.

Flower bed with tulips at Cannon Hill Park.

Photo Courtesy Elliott Brown

 

The Memorial to the Sousse Terror Attack Victims in Cannon Hill Park.

Photo Courtesy Daniel Sturley

 

The Midland Art Centre (Mac) is situated within Cannon Hill Park, it's a hub of creativity and learning.

Photo Courtesy Elliott Brown

 

Sandwell Valley Country Park, is an award winning Green Flag park, in the heart of the West Midlands. 

Forge Mill Lake at Sandwell Valley. There's something to do for everyone, from  a quiet walk, a keen ramble, or just to relax and reflect, with 660 acres to walk round, you can explore the pleasant surroundings through woods, farmland and by pools and streams.

Photo Courtesy Karl Newton

 

You can see the historic feature range Priory Ruins, There is so much to see and do, fun for all the family!

The RSPB Nature Centre provides a further gateway to the Country Park, with a visitor centre, & a bird hide.

Photo Courtesy Karl Newton

 

Highbury Park is a large green space bordering Moseley and Kings Heath. Just a few miles from Birmingham's City Centre, the park is one of Birmingham's many green gems.

Highbury Park -  Joseph Chamberlain was the former resident of Highbury Hall.

Photo Courtesy Daniel Sturley

 

Photo Courtesy Christine Wright

 

Original pear and apple pergola in the Highbury Hall kitchen garden.

Photo Courtesy Christine Wright

 

Winterbourne House & Gardens is one of Birmingham's great Gems and, amongst other things, is home to over 6,000 plant species from around the world.  

 

The beautiful gardens at Winterbourne.

Photo Courtesy Barry Whitehead

 

Japanese bridge which allows safe passage from one side of the Rock Garden pool to the other.

Photo Courtesy Peter Leadbetter

 

The Nutwalk, Winterbourne.

Photo Courtesy Christine Wright

 

Winterbourne House is a unique heritage attraction and is set within 7 acres of beautiful botanic gardens. It is adjacent to Edgbaston Pool.

Photo Courtesy Jay Mason - Burns

 

Kings Heath Park is a large green space in Kings Heath and covers 35 acres. Located just a couple of miles from Birmingham's City Centre, the park has gained Green Flag status.

A seat beside the pool at the beautiful Kings Heath Park, surrounded by bright maples.

Photo Courtesy Christine Wright

 

Kings Heath House and Cartland Tea Rooms 

Photo Courtesy Christine Wright

 

 Heather in bloom in Kings Heath Park.

Photo Courtesy Christine Wright

 

Lickey Hills Country Park is a country park in Birmingham

Lickey Hills has a complex and interesting geology which has created a variety of habitats. These include woodlands, heathland and grassland, which are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Lickey Hills has a Green Flag Award and is designated as a Country Park.

Lickey Hills has a number of marked walking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. There are many paths and tracks that can be followed.

Photo Courtesy Chris Fletcher

 

Photo Courtesy Karl Newton

18 hole golf course at Lickey Hills golf course.

Photo Courtesy Barry Whitehead

 

There’s a toposcope in a small “fort” on the top of the hill which points out the direction to notable landscape features you can see from Beacon Hill. 

Photo Courtesy Karl Newton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography Karl Newton

Photography by Daniel Sturley