The River Cole at the Scribers Lane ford

There is a few fords that pass through the River Cole. Scribers Lane in Hall Green near Yardley Wood is one of them. Located in the Shire Country Park between the Trittiford Mill Pool and the Scribers Lane SINC. This road is no longer in use, as there is bollards at both ends. There is a footbridge for pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers. The river level changes here during the year.

River Cole at the Scribers Lane ford

This ford is located on Scribers Lane between Yardley Wood and Hall Green in Birmingham. The River Cole flows through the road on the Cole Valley. Nearby is the Trittiford Mill Pool and the Scribers Lane SINC. Visitors on walks can use a footbridge to cross the river on Scribers Lane. There is bollards at both ends of the river, as it is no longer suitable for cars or other motor vehicles to cross over. One set of bollards on Scribers Lane is near Riverside Crescent. Pedestrians can walk through the middle in the gap.

For my Shire Country Park posts relevant to this area:

• Scribers Lane SINC
• Trittiford Mill Pool

2014-16

After a walk down to The Baldwin during February 2014, I walked down Baldwins Lane and then onto Scribers Lane. I got to this Ford sign just before the railway bridge on the Shakespeare Line.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (Feb 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The road is liable to flooding. Only cycles can go past here. At the time I thought that you couldn't walk up the road, so I turned back. Beyond here is the Scribers Lane Allotments.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (Feb 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The May Day Bank Holiday during May 2016. After leaving the Trittiford Mill Pool, saw the River Cole on the Scribers Lane ford for the first time.

The back of the tree near the River Cole. From a footbridge at the far end of the Trittiford Mill Pool. Can just about see the road surface to the right.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There's the bridge that pedestrians and cyclists can use to cross the river.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At this point in the Spring, the river level was quite low.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Scribers Lane sign near the bridge.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Discarded barrier in the River Cole near the Scribers Lane ford.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The other side of the River Cole into the Scribers Lane SINC.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2016) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These views of the River Cole at the Scribers Lane ford taken during December 2016. The river level is always higher in late autumn and early winter. This was after a period of heavy rain.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You can see why this road is closed off to cars or other motor vehicles, it is just too unsafe for them to pass without them getting stuck.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

The first National Lockdown at the end of March 2020, and a walk down Scribers Lane to get onto the Trittiford Mill Pool. First up the railway bridge on the Shakespeare Line between Yardley Wood and Shirley.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It seems that you can walk down Scribers Lane. Trees yet to get their leaves grown back.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bollards just before the footbridge. The River Cole is to the right on Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crossing the footbridge over the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view of the River Cole from the footbridge on Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The River Cole from the other side. Within months all of the natural growth would grow back during the first lockdown.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The River Cole looked shallow enough to go into from Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The main tree near the River Cole on Scribers Lane. Water surrounds it when the river level is higher.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (March 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still in lockdown during May 2020. The trees are now lush and green. A month long drought, and the River Cole was quite shallow.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Even the main tree was looking dry as the leaves were green, and the river was low.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was so nice and warm in May, and the Shire Country Park was looking green near the River Cole on Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane ford SCP (May 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The 2nd lockdown began on the 5th November 2020. After a walk down to Yardley Wood and into the Trittiford Mill Pool. Got some Autumnal views of the River Cole on Scribers Lane. The river level now looks higher.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane Ford SCP (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There's that tree again, the River Cole going behind it, but the land around it was not flooded at this point.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane Ford SCP (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading to the footbridge over the River Cole. The closest cars can get now is behind the bollards and close to the Allotments.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane Ford SCP (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I think the river level is too high for cyclists to ride through. Then again, I expect that they use the bridge as it's safer to cross.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane Ford SCP (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The walk up Scribers Lane towards the railway bridge. Vehicles that do drive down here must be under 12'6".

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane Ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane Ford SCP (Nov 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is also the ford on Slade Lane. I think I'll do a separate post on that ford at a later date.

The other ford in the Shire Country Park, but one that cars can drive through is on Green Road near the Greet Mill Meadow and Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground.

 

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

Hollybank Spinney on The Haunch Brook Pathways

Beyond Billesley Common, on Hollybank Road is the Hollybank Spinney. Also called the Hollie Lucas Memorial. The piece of land was named after Hollybank Farm. Named in memory of Christopher Hollins Lucas, who was killed during the Great War in 1918. Was a grandson of Joseph Lucas. Just a path and trees along the Haunch Brook. Just a small pocket of the Shire Country Park.

Hollybank Spinney

Part of the Haunch Brook Pathways, which goes through Billesley Common, if you leave the Common at Hollybank Road in Kings Heath, and cross over the road, is a small section called the Hollybank Spinney. This is also called the Hollie Lucas Memorial. The path amongst the trees goes from Hollybank Road towards Ardencote Road, so it's not very long. There is another short path from Hollybank Road that leads to Chamberlain Road.

The land was named after the Hollybank Farm which used to be on the site. It was given to the City of Birmingham by the Lucas family, known for Lucas Industries, in memory of the late Hollie Lucas, a grandson of the late Joseph Lucas (1834 - 1902).

Christopher Hollins Lucas fought during the First World War (1914-18), which at the time was called The Great War. He was also called Hollies Lucas. He was a second lieutenant in the 8th battalion of the Prince of Wales North Staffordshire Regiment. He was killed in action at the age of 21 on the 10th April 1918 in Belgium.

His medals were sent to his parents, who at the time lived on Cambridge Road in Kings Heath. A road off Wheelers Lane was named Hollie Lucas Road in his memory.

 

My visit to the Hollybank Spinney on a walk from the Kings Heath High Street towards the bus stop on Haunch Lane near Billesley Common, during July 2020.

Approaching the Hollybank Spinney from Hollybank Road in Kings Heath.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Lots of trees and long grass.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Onto the path towards Ardencote Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Here's the sign about Joseph Lucas, and his grandson that this area is named after.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path curves around the trees.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of the path, it's not very long.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Man walking his dog near the end of the path as it goes onto Ardencote Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bit hard to see the Haunch Brook from here.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Haunch Brook is down there. Goes under this tunnel towards Kings Heath, not sure were it emerges though.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Going back on the path towards Hollybank Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Trees and bushes everywhere. A little bit of paradise.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

About halfway back to Hollybank Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not too far back to the end of the path.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Hollie Lucas Memorial on the left (the Joseph Lucas sign I saw earlier).

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near Hollybank Road, noticed workmen who were resurfacing the paths in Billesley Common.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The other end of the Haunch Brook from Hollybank Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Almost hard to see here too. Some unwanted rubbish on the banks of the brook.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One more path to take. This leads to Chamberlain Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This path was much shorter.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Trees all around the Haunch Brook near Chamberlain Road.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Chamberlain Road is a cul-de-sac with this turn circle at the end. The path into the Hollybank Spinney is straight ahead.

dndimg alt="Hollybank Spinney" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hollybank Spinney SCP (July 2020) (21).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Chamberlain Road leads to Haunch Lane. Then just a walk down the hill to the bus stop outside of Billesley Common (the wait in my mask for the 76).

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

 

Scribers Lane Site of Importance to Nature Conservation in the Shire Country Park

Beyond the Trittiford Mill Pool in the Shire Country Park is an area called Scribers Lane. It is designated as a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (or SINC for short). It runs alongside the River Cole from Scribers Lane near Yardley Wood and Hall Green, and passes through Slade Lane. It ends on the Birmingham / Solihull border at some stepping stones. Two fords also pass through.

Scribers Lane in the Shire Country Park

Located near Hall Green and Yardley Wood is the Scribers Lane Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (also called SINC). The site runs alongside the River Cole from Scribers Lane (after the southern end of the Trittiford Mill Pool) then heads south towards Slade Lane. The site continues beyond that towards some stepping stones on a stream. If you cross over them you leave Birmingham for Solihull at Nethercote Gardens (and you can continue your walk towards Mill Lodge Park).

You can get onto Scribers Lane from Baldwins Lane in Hall Green. One end of Baldwins Lane leads to Slade Lane. The Shakespeare Line runs along the eastern side of the site, with two railway bridges that you can walk under. There are fords on Scribers Lane and Slade Lane.

2016

First walk through of Scribers Lane was during May 2016. During the May Day Bank Holiday (a walk that started from the Sarehole Mill Car Park).

Wetland near the footbridge close to Scribers Lane (what the area was named after).

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look at the wetland from the footbridge.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was what looked like a guillotine lock on the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw this heron, but the photo was not to clear as my camera focused instead on the branches.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Gates to the woodland walk.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Cut branches to the side of the footpath.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some planks of wood on a muddy part of the path.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Got as far as Slade Lane. The fingerpost was missing the direction signs from here.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2016) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

A lockdown walk through Scribers Lane during May 2020. This time went further than last time (as far as the stepping stones).

A look at the River Cole from Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The footbridge again this time everything around was overgrown, apart from the grass that was cut.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Lilies in the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The trees on the other side of the river.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Hard to believe that this is in south Birmingham (but it is).

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On this tree is a rope that kids can swing over.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting to the bridge on Slade Lane. Gate to exit to the left.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This time continued further than last time. The path was dry. May had a heatwave.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Cow parsley growing on both sides of the grass path.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Was some nice natural reflections in the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Out onto the path to the end of the nature reserve.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The stepping stones. I did stand on them, but didn't cross over the end of May 2020 (from the Nethercote Gardens side).

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up look at the stepping stones.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

That time we turned back towards the Trittiford Mill Pool.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Then back onto the normal path between Slade Lane and Scribers Lane. River Cole on the left.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a red ball in the River Cole with a nice reflection.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Pair of sluice gates on the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

And the other sluice gate.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Later that month we were back in the Scribers Lane SINC having crossed over the stepping stones (on the walk from Mill Lodge Park).

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (21).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The heatwave would last until the end of the month.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (22).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Blue sky and a lot of long grass.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (23).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a lot of long grass next to the main path from Slade Lane to Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (24).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (25).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The guillotine lock again. After this we headed back into Scribers Lane to walk back to Mill Lodge Park.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (26).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

More views of the River Cole which was quite shallow at the time.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (28).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Still cow parsley to see near the River Cole at the time.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (29).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the Scribers Lane area before crossing back over into Solihull. The suburban area near Shirley and Solihull Lodge.

dndimg alt="Scribers Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribers Lane SINC SCP (May 2020) (30).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Next post will be the fords on Scribers Lane and Slade Lane.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Chinn Brook Nature Reserve in the Shire Country Park

Continuing on from the Chinn Brook Meadows, is the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve. It is a 17 acre site bound by Yardley Wood Road and Warstock Lane, with the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal to the south. The Chinn Brook flows through here. Beyond is the Cocks Moors Woods Golf Course. The area is quite small. Heading to the north you end up at Haunch Lane, and beyond is Billesley Common.

Chinn Brook Nature Reserve

The walk around the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve continues on from the Chinn Brook Meadows in the Shire Country Park. Located in Yardley Wood. The main entrance is on the east side on Yardley Wood Road. Paths goes around it and over bridges that cross the Chinn Brook and Haunch Brook. Eventually you would get to Warstock Lane to the west, where there is access to the towpath onto the Stratford-on-Avon Canal which is the southern boundary of the nature reserve. Use the steps and not the muddy hill (I once tried to climb up it but slipped down and got mud on my hands). Another way out is if you head up the path towards Haunch Lane. If you want to, you can continue your walk around Billesley Common.

The Chinn Brook Nature Reserve is a 17 acre site, with a variety of habitats. In the 1900s this area formed part of the area known as the "Happy Valley", the working mens picnic spot. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, boats could be hired, and there used to be a fairground on the open space. Yardley Wood Bus Garage was the location of the original Happy Valley Tea Gardens. Since the 1920s various parts of the site had been used as allotments and during WW2 parts were used to grow corn. There used to be a BMX track in what was known as Cocks Moors Wood in 1986-87. Site improvements in 2010 including new footbridges and fencing over the Chinn Brook.

2014

This was during the Christmas Day 2014 walk which started in the Chinn Brook Meadows and continued around the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve on the 25th December 2014.

Information sign at the Yardley Wood Road entrance.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Enter through the gate on Yardley Wood Road to get in.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Shire Country Park fingerpost. Head towards either Warstock Lane and the Stratford upon Avon Canal, or to the Chinn Brook Meadows and the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading along the path, the trees were quite bare of leaves.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Trees on the left.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seems like branches lower down had been cut off.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This footbridge goes over the Chinn Brook and the path leads to Haunch Lane.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A look at the Chinn Brook from the footbridge.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A lot of bright sunlight over the green area.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The bridge on Warstock Lane. Beyond here is the golf course.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the Chinn Brook from Warstock Lane.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also the view of the Chinn Brook as it flows into Cocks Moors Woods Golf Course.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A fence from Warstock Lane. The golf course is on the other side (I think).

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking up Warstock Lane.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back into the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve, there was two paths you could walk on.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A large green lawn that you can walk past.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (Dec 2014) (16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

This continues the April 2020 lockdown walk into the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve from the Chinn Brook Meadows. As before entered on Yardley Wood Road.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This time there was more green leaves on the trees, as I had a look at the Chinn Brook.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Chinn Brook is not where you dump your wheel and tyre! Take it to a garage!

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Onto the path, as this point, not all of the leaves had grown back onto the thin trees on the left.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A blue sky with the green open space.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Growing in the grass was yellow iris.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Continuing along the path towards Warstock Lane.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After Haunch Lane, we headed towards Haunch Lane, and when I saw people who stopped for a chat, we took a different path to be socially distant from them.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then over the bridge that crosses the Chinn Brook, with a bike on the left.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

So lush and green around the Chinn Brook on both sides.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yes this is in Birmingham, but it could be in the countryside. But it's in Yardley Wood.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path to Haunch Lane surrounded by all these trees.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks wonderful and natural here.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Flats on the right reminds you that you are still in an urbanised environment, as we got close to Haunch Lane.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

With the lockdown, the only place to see bluebells was your local nature areas such as here.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Shire Country Park fingerpost close to Haunch Lane. Head left to the Stratford upon Avon Canal and Warstock Lane. Or go right to Haunch Lane and Billesley Common.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Nature Reserve" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Nature Reserve SCP (April 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After this headed up Chinn Brook Road back to the car, going past the Chinn Brook Meadows.

Future Shire Country Park posts will include:

• Scribers Lane SINC
• Hollybank Spinney
• The fords on Slade Lane and Scribers Lane

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Chinn Brook Meadows in the Shire Country Park

In Yardley Wood there is two areas named after the Chinn Brook. The Chinn Brook Meadows (also called the Chinn Brook Recreation Ground) and the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve. I've been to both a couple of times (usually walking from one part into the next). In this post though we will take a look at the Chinn Brook Meadows. From Trittiford Road / Highfield Road to Yardley Wood Road.

Chinn Brook Meadows

The Chinn Brook Meadows is one of the satellite parks of the Shire Country Park. Many locals in Yardley Wood still refer it to as the Chinn Brook Recreation Ground (and is labelled as that on Google Maps). The Chinn Brook Meadows is a 34 Acre site that stretches from Yardley Wood Road to the west, towards Trittiford Road and Highfield Road to the East. To the north is Chinn Brook Road and Glastonbury Road is to the south. The Chinn Brook flows through the Recreation Ground, where it joins up with the River Cole in The Dingles. Also nearby is the Trittiford Mill Pool to the east. The site was renamed in 2010 from the Chinn Brook Recreation Ground to the Chinn Brook Meadows, as it was thought that Meadows better reflects it's character.

 

I've had at least two full walks through the Chinn Brook Meadows. In December 2014 on Christmas Day and in April 2020 on a lockdown walk.

2014

For a Christmas Day morning walk on the 25th December 2014, we started our walk in the Chinn Brook Meadows. Getting in from the main entrance on Trittiford Road. There was this information sign and map, although vandals had tagged it at the time.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A look at the Chinn Brook from the bridge on Trittiford Road in Yardley Wood.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The fingerpost in the Chinn Brook Meadows was looking relatively new at the time. Directions to The Dingles, Trittiford Mill Pool and the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The playground / play area that is close to Trittiford Road. There is also an entrance to it from Chinn Brook Road.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

S bend in the Chinn Brook.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the footbridges over the Chinn Brook.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a nice sunny morning at the time, as I had a look over the footbridge. Bollards at both ends.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The path in the Chinn Brook Meadows goes past the field, that most people still call The Rec.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

But it's what was growing alongside the path and the Chinn Brook that got it renamed to Chinn Brook Meadows.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

More of the same near the Chinn Brook.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Trees not far from the houses on Chinn Brook Road.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The path curving to the right.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of The Rec section before you walk down a path to Yardley Wood Road.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A couple take their dog for a walk.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The gate at the end of the path near Yardley Wood Road. Exit here and cross over the road to enter the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2014) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2017

In January 2017, I saw this carved wooden sculpture close to Highfield Road in Yardley Wood. It was probably done by local Birmingham based carver, Graham Jones. You can find his work in other parks and green spaces around Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Jan 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It had various carvings around it, such as birds and flowers.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Jan 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some details at the bottom including a swan.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Jan 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later that year in December 2017, while it was snowing in Yardley Wood, I walked down to the Trittiford Mill Pool. While there I got these snowy views towards the Chinn Brook Meadows.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The roads around it had been gritted by the council, but looks quite slushy and dirty.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This side was closer to The Dingles, but was the view in the direction of the Chinn Brook Meadows. Not seen snow around there since then.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (Dec 2017) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

In April 2020 we had a lockdown walk through the Chinn Brook Meadows before heading into the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve. Parking on Chinn Brook Road, we passed the playground / play area which of course (at the time) was closed due to the pandemic / lockdown. So no child on the swings or slides until the beginning of July.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking through the swings to the slide from Chinn Brook Road.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Notices from the Council, to not enter the play area. Then again, some people ignored these, and hoped over the gate.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Chinn Brook Meadows fingerpost from Chinn Brook Road, near the entrance to the play area.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the equipment that children couldn't use from about late March until early July 2020.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Surprisingly, there was a lot of families out in the Recreation Ground for a walk and exercise (more than my previous visit). At the time, getting out for your one form of daily exercise was allowed (apart from getting essentials from the shops).

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a nice blue sky as we walked up the path towards Yardley Wood Road. Grass nice and short.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As before, the path curves around to the right. People taking their dogs for a walk and having fun in the Chinn Brook to the left.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Plenty of space here to have a game of football, although at the time that kind of activity was not allowed under the restrictions.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Nearing the end of the path close to The Rec.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path to Yardley Wood Road was a bit narrower, and the leaves on the trees hadn't fully grown back.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bluebells growing close to the path. When you couldn't go far at the time, your local green spaces was the only place to see them.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Such a short period of time to see the bluebells in flower.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This sign close to the Yardley Wood Road exit reminds you that this area is part of the Millstream Way. Also that it is illegal to access and ride with off-road motorcycles within the City Council parkland. But idiot youths keep ignoring this. And they spray painted over the West Midlands Police logo!

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later on the walk back from the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve down Chinn Brook Road. This was another one of the entrances. Such bright sunshine from that side.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yellow flowers growing near the gate on Chinn Brook Road. According to Google Lens, they are called Gorse.

dndimg alt="Chinn Brook Meadows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn Brook Meadows SCP (April 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

The Blackberry Way and the Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve in the Shire Country Park

Two sections of the Shire Country Park here. During a May 2020 lockdown walk. After leaving the Greet Mill Meadow at the Stratford Road, we continued on into the Blackberry Way. Then crossed into the Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve from Formans Road in Sparkhill. Both run alongside the River Cole towards the Cole Valley Business Park. A lot of history here. Also a litter issue.

Blackberry Way and the

Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve

The Blackberry Way and the Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve are part of the Shire Country Park and are located in Sparkhill. My first walk in these areas was during a lockdown walk in May 2020, which started from the Sarehole Mill Car Park, and went via the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground and the Greet Mill Meadow.

For related posts click the links below:

• Greet Mill Meadow
• Green Road ford

 

Blackberry Way

The Blackberry Way is located between the Stratford Road and Formans Road in Sparkhill (near the Springfield and Hall Green border). It starts from the Stratford Road Bridge (which opened in 1914) and runs alongside the River Cole. In the 14th century the area was known as Foulemoreslone or as Fole- or Fullford (foul ford). But today is called the Blackberry Way. It was named after a consultation with local residents and thought to be highly suitable as it is one of the best blackberry picking sections of the Shire Country Park. This area has a litter problem, either in the River Cole or alongside the path.

Starting from the Stratford Road entrance, just head into the gate on the right.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The sign for the Blackberry Way in the Shire Country Park from Birmingham City Council. It says "Please help us to care for your local green spaces. No Dumping of Rubbish".

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Sadly the first thing I saw was rubbish down in the River Cole, and along the path.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a dumped trolley hanging up-side-down on the poles of the sign near the Stratford Road. This is not the place to dump your rubbish, and the trolley should be at the supermarket it came from!

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trolley Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

During May 2020, there was cow parsley growing alongside the path.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The trees were lush and green, having grown back fast during the second full month of lockdown.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path continues straight on past the trees and cow parsley.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Approaching the gate at Formans Road. Beyond here was the Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later coming back into the Blackberry Way. Headed down this grass path along the cow parsley.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A bit of a tree canopy here.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting back to the Stratford Road entrance, and soon about to go back into the Greet Mill Meadow.

dndimg alt="Blackberry Way" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackberry Way SCP (May 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve

The Burbury Brickworks is located between Formans Road in Sparkhill and the Cole Valley Business Park. Beyond this area you can walk around The Ackers (which is beyond Warwick Road, but I've not done The Ackers yet). It is a 13 acre site of a former brick making factory that existed here until the early 1960s. The River Cole runs alongside one part of the nature reserve. When the brickworks closed the area returned to it's natural state. It now has a marshland and young oak trees. This area also had a litter problem.

The Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve sign at the Formans Road entrance. As with the Blackberry Way this Birmingham City Council sign says "Please help us to care for your local green spaces. No Dumping of Rubbish".

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a pair of paths in the Burbury Brickworks. We too the right path.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The trees on this path were lush and green. Some cow parsley along the path as well.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First signs of rubbish alongside the path. Why can't people dispose of their rubbish properly and use the bin?

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

So much takeaway rubbish around the benches that it attracted hungry crows looking for some food. The bin was also slanted a bit.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rubbish in the Burbury Brickworks (May 2020).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Nearing the gate close to the Cole Valley Business Park. Turned back after this. But did briefly pop out of the gate, and back in.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Beyond here is the Cole Valley Business Park. I would think you would have to walk or cycle past towards the Warwick Road to find the entrance to The Ackers, but I've not been there yet.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the walk back in the Burbury Brickworks found part of the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A wooden footbridge over a stream (I don't think this crosses the River Cole).

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the Wetland Walkway saw this pond surrounded by trees. It's hard to believe that a brickworks was in this area until about 60 years ago.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the fingerposts of the Shire Country Park was in the water. I'm not sure if it's still in there 2 and a half months on, but Council officials or park rangers needs to fish it out, and repair it.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burbury Brickworks SCP (May 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the way out saw this NO DUMPING sign from Birmingham City Council. Your City Your Birmingham. Can locals and visitors please not dump their waste in the Shire Country Park. Dispose of your litter properly. Care for the environment.

dndimg alt="Burbury Brickworks" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/No dumping Burbury Brickworks (May 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

Billesley Common and the Haunch Brook Pathways in the Shire Country Park

The home of Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club is at Billesley Common in the Shire Country Park. There is paths in the woods called the Haunch Brook Pathways. The area is classed as a SLINC (Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation). There was also a new Wetland area developed in 2010. Billesley Common was first mentioned in 1774 as common land. With a big open field used for rugby.

Billesley Common

 

Billesley Common is located on Yardley Wood Road and Haunch Lane in Billesley, and is a satellite park of the Shire Country Park. There is also an entrance off Hollybank Road if you walk down Chessetts Grove alongside the Haunch Brook. The Haunch Brook Pathways are located to the south of the common with entrances on Haunch Lane and on Yardley Wood Road. To the north of the common is the current home of Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club. (since 2005). Also nearby there is the Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre. Between them is the City of Birmingham Indoor Bowls Club. If you walk past these places, you end up on Wheelers Lane. Going past the new home of the Irish Centre (in what used to be the West Midlands Travel Birmingham Sports & Social Club). There is also a Friends of Billesley Common that cleans the parkland, gets the footpaths resurfaced and the footbridge repaired.

 

You can park your car on the layby on Yardley Wood Road near Billesley Common. Although whenever I've been down there, I've seen a lot of litter and flytipping (hopefully the Council or the Community Group can clean it up now that lockdown is eased even more).

History of Billesley Common

Billesley Common was first mentioned in the history books back in 1774 as common land. Billesley was a typical Anglo-Saxon name, possibly a corruption of Bills Leah and the Anglo-Saxon word for Bill's clearing. Leah means a woodland clearing and a woodland clearing is known to have existed in Billesley north of the Chinn Brook. It is thought that their used to be an Anglo-Saxon settlement on the higher ground near the present day Wold Walk.

A new Wetland area was developed in 2010, which was created so that flood water could be received from the Haunch Brook. A variety of wildlife is known to be around here.

Your main walk around Billesley Common would be around the Haunch Brook Pathways. Follow the Perimeter Walk around and over the Haunch Brook. There is also a path that leads up to Moseley Rugby Football Club, which has an entrance off Yardley Wood Road on Woodroofe Way.

South of Billesley Common is the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve (near Cocks Moors Wood Golf Club), and also the Chinn Brook Meadows (also called the Chinn Brook Recreation Ground). I will cover those areas in two future posts (so watch this space).

October 2016

My first walk around Billesley Common, on the Perimeter Walk and the Haunch Brook Pathways was in October 2016. I had kept seeing it over the years from the no 76 bus when it stops on Haunch Lane.

The entrance from Haunch Lane into Billesley Common. The noticeboard and information sign were on the right.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading up the Haunch Brook Pathways into Billesley Common.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look at the Haunch Brook. Behind that fence is Yardley Wood Road.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path continues amongst the trees

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At this point you have the entrance to Yardley Wood Road to the right and the Perimeter Walk to the left.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading onto the Perimeter Walk.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First view of the field, or the common. Various rugby goalposts up the hill and floodlights.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A pair of rugby goalposts.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (Oct 2016) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a blue sky with clouds that afternoon (it was just before 1pm on the 2nd October 2016).

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Saw this sign about Bird Life on Billesley Common around the Haunch Brook Pathways.

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Footbridge over the Haunch Brook.

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You can leave the Perimeter Walk and the Haunch Brook Pathways for the Hollybank Spinney. Just head towards Hollybank Road up Chessetts Grove (I've yet to check out the Hollybank Spinney).

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Later back on Yardley Wood Road. Park your car up there for your walks around Billesley Common. It is up here though that I keep spotting rubbish and flytipping which is not nice to see.

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March 2020

A few days before the lockdown kicked in in March 2020, we headed for a walk around Billesley Common. Parking on Yardley Wood Road, we had a walk around the Perimeter Walk, before getting the car up to Swanshurst Park next.

Starting from the Yardley Wood Road entrance, the trees were looking a bit bare at the time.

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Heading up the path, the trees had yet to grow their leaves back.

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View of the Haunch Brook behind the trees

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Heading up the path near the common. The rugby field beyond towards Moseley Rugby Club.

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Again I decided to do the Perimeter Walk this time so turned left at this fingerpost.

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This rugby goalpost was looking quite rusted.

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Zoomed up to the play area / playground. When lockdown came in properly, all play areas and playgrounds had to be closed down.

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Another pair of rugby goalposts, probably the same ones as I saw 4 years ago. Was crows on the common.

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A look at the trees from the Perimeter Walk. Strong sunlight.

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The footbridge again over the Haunch Brook.

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One of the views of the Haunch Brook from the footbridge.

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If you head this way you go to the Wetland area. The last time I saw that footbridge (July 2020), it looked broken, but was OK to cross when I went on the 20th March 2020.

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Pair of wooden footbridges over the Haunch Brook. The one on the left doesn't have a handrail to hold onto, so be careful.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (March 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

July 2020

More recently went for an evening walk around Billesley Common. Again starting at the Yardley Wood Road entrance. But this time walking past Moseley Rugby Club and heading to the Wheelers Lane exit. Before going back in via Hollybank Road and Chessetts Grove. The walk was after 7pm in the evening on the 11th July 2020.

Heading up the Perimeter Path from the Yardley Wood Road entrance, there was bright sunshine in the evening, and the resulting photos of the common here came out a bit dark.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (July 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Like other City parks, the grass here had been cut for social distancing walks, with some long grass kept.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (July 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A long cloud on the left hides the sun which was behind it in the evening. Imagine the history here.

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This time walking up the path towards Birmingham Moseley Rugby, past the rugby goalposts and floodlights.

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The view towards Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club.

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Now on the path towards Wheelers Lane. The road into Moseley Rugby Club was called Woodroofe Way.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (July 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The only part of the common not built on was to the right of the Rugby Club, Indoor Bowls Club and Indoor Tennis Centre.

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After the walk up Wheelers Lane and down Hollybank Road, I got to the Haunch Brook near Chessetts Grove, and saw this banner. Thank you NHS. Thank you key workers. In this together. Stay safe.

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The view of the Haunch Brook from the bridge on Hollybank Road. I will leave going into the Hollybank Spinney for a future time.

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Back onto the Haunch Brook Pathways around the Perimeter Walk and I saw this Little Egret landing on this tree branch!

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (July 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There had been a lot of growth of the bushes and the trees in the 4 months since my last visit here. This was on the Wetland area side.

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Beyond the Wetland towards the common.

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Heading out of the Haunch Brook Pathways up the path towards Haunch Lane. Leaves on the trees fully grown back.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (July 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting back to the Haunch Lane exit / entrance. The bus stop there is for the 18 and 76 bus routes. Drivers of the 76 usually change here. Just had to walk around to Yardley Wood Road for the car ride home.

dndimg alt="Billesley Common" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billesley Common SCP (July 2020) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I went to Hollybank Spinney on the 23rd July 2020. Look out for a post on it in the future in the Shire Country Park project (it's part of the Haunch Brook Pathways and is very short).

But first I will need to do posts on the Chinn Brook Meadows and the Chinn Brook Nature Reserve.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

The Dingles in the Shire Country Park

Another section of the Shire Country Park on the Millstream Way is The Dingles in Yardley Wood. Entrances near Robin Hood Lane (from Coleside Avenue) or Trittiford Road or Highfield Road. The River Cole runs through and the Chinn Brook joins it. Suitable for walks, walking your dog, running and cycling. Runs alongside Cole Valley Road.

The Dingles in the Shire Country Park

The Dingles is part of the Shire Country Park runs alongside the River Cole from Robin Hood Lane (not far from Brook Lane) towards Trittiford Road and Highfield Road in Yardley Wood. There is at least three main ways to walk through it. The main path is now like a raised cycle path. There was also a rough path in the middle between the River Cole and the Chinn Brook. The final route was just an open field of grass that you can walk on. The parkland runs alongside Cole Valley Road. If entering from Robin Hood Lane, you have to walk down Coleside Avenue to enter. There is also a couple of bridges that cross over the River Cole or the Chinn Brook.

The Dingles is the halfway point between the John Morris Jones Walkway and the Trittiford Mill Pool.

 

Over on Bill Dargue's History of Birmingham place names from A to Z on Yardley Wood he has a lot of useful information about The Dingles which I will summarise here.

The Dingles is also called The Dingles Recreation Ground. There was formerly fords at both ends of the river here, but they were replaced with road bridges. The original bridge at Highfield Road was called the Titterford Bridge. The Four Arches Bridge in The Dingles is close to Coleside Avenue. It dates to at least 1822. The bridge was maintained by the Yardley Great Trust. The bridge was almost in ruins in 1956, but was restored in 1980, and is now pedestrianised.

2012

First visit was during March 2012. Starting at Robin Hood Lane in Yardley Wood. A look at the River Cole.

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View of the River Cole from the Four Arches Bridge.

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The open field in The Dingles you can walk through. No paths on here though.

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One of the bridges you can cross over in The Dingles.

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View of the footbridge further back.

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Trees bare of leaves near the River Cole.

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Another close up view of the River Cole.

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Contiuing on the walk up the grassy field.

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The gate that exits to Trittiford Road. There is also entrances on Highfield Road.

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More views of the River Cole.

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And another view of the River Cole. By the looks of it from the rough path between the River Cole and Chinn Brook.

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The gate at the exit to Highfield Road in Yardley Wood. The River Cole continues beyond here passing the Trittiford Mill Pool.

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2016

Back in The Dingles for another walk during May 2016. It was the May Day Bank Holiday walk that started from the Sarehole Mill car park. First up a look at the bridge on Robin Hood Lane, which replaced the ford that used to be here historically.

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Fingerpost in The Dingles pointing the way to the John Morris Jones Walkway (left) and the Trittiford Mill Pool (right). Near the historic Four Arches Bridge.

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A look at the Four Arches Bridge that crosses the River Cole in The Dingles.

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A tree had been cut down near the River Cole at this point.

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Another fingerpost in The Dingles. This one alongside the raised cycle path. The Chinn Brook Recreation Ground to the left (also called Chinn Brook Meadows). Sarehole Mill and Cole Bank Road to the right.

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Must have taken the walk between the River Cole and the Chinn Brook at the time.

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It looks like a bike crossing into the river at this point.

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Sign for the 7 Wonders Walk.

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After leaving The Dingles this time, saw a fire engine from Billesley Community Fire Station, before going into the John Morris Jones Walkway again.

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2017

Snow from December 2017. I didn't enter The Dingles at that time. Only popped into the Trittiford Mill Pool while it was snowing.

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White stuff (snow) everywhere.

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Even the River Cole from Highfield Road was surrounded by snow at the time.

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Not sure what it would have been like to walk through The Dingles covered in snow. But was best to stick to Highfield Road and walk back up to Hall Green.

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2020

The first lockdown walk through The Dingles was in March 2020. I took the grass route from the Highfield Road entrance. The man running ahead of me in the Trittiford Mill Pool ran far ahead of me in The Dingles.

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See the running man go way ahead of me, while I caught him with the River Cole.

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The grass was bit wet to walk on and would be no paths until I got to the bridge to cross over the River Cole.

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Saw a magpie on a branch.

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Trees were bare as I saw this River Cole view.

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Had a blue sky that day in March.

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The River Cole from the footbridge.

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Looking back at the footbridge I'd crossed over. Same one I used 8 years earlier.

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Now on the path towards Coleside Avenue, running alongside the River Cole.

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The exit to Coleside Avenue, which was also near the main path in The Dingles.

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In May 2020 had another walk through The Dingles. First up saw some ducks near the River Cole from the bridge on Robin Hood Lane. Had just come from the John Morris Jones Walkway.

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Another look at the Four Arches Bridge.

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Another view of the River Cole from the Four Arches Bridge.

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Grass near the main cycle path has been cut for social distancing walking.

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Was a lot of long grass apart from the grass mown for the 2 metre social distancing rule.

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Gate to Trittiford Road. Briefly exited here before going into another gate on Highfield Road.

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On the rough path between the Chinn Brook and River Cole, I found this stump of a tree with all these plastic toys! Some kind of memorial to a child or something?

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View of the toys from the top. I hope it was not classed as littering or flytipping.

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Still on the rough path between the Chinn Brook and River Cole, in the middle of The Dingles.

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View of the River Cole from an alternative route back towards Coleside Avenue and Robin Hood Lane.

dndimg alt="The Dingles" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Dingles SCP (May 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

The Greet Mill Meadow in the Shire Country Park

Another part of the Millstream Way in the Shire Country Park is the Greet Mill Meadow. It goes from Green Road to the Stratford Road in Hall Green (leading to Springfield / Sparkhill). Running alongside the River Cole. At certain points there is stepping stones with waterfalls. Named after the lost Greet Mill of the 13th century, of which no traces remain above ground. Near Sarehole Road.

Greet Mill Meadow in the Shire Country Park

Beyond the ford on Green Road is the Greet Mill Meadow. The path in here runs towards the Stratford Road in Hall Green alongside the River Cole. Sarehole Road is to the east (where Druckers Vienna Patisserie used to be before they went out of business). Tenby Road is to the west. An exit / entrance halfway goes onto Bankside which leads to Tenby Road. Near the Stratford Road you will be able to see Mughal & Azam (had a recent fire so the roof was damaged). That is also near Colgreave Avenue. It was formerly the Sparkhill United Church. Was built as a Congregational church 1932-3 by W H Bidlake. It is Grade II listed.

The Greet Mill Meadow is part of the Millstream Way, which is part of the Cole Valley Walk. It was the site of a 13th century mill called Greet Mill, where the walkway here got it's name from, but it has vanished like it was never even here. The first reference to Greet Mill by name was in 1275. That date might not be when it was founded as that was when Roger Fullard was drowned near Greet Mill. The mill was the property of Greet Manor, which was near the Warwick Road, about three quarters of a mile away downstream. The first miller to be recorded was Henry Heath in 1587. The mill was sold to Matthew Boulton in 1762, who seems like he rebuilt both Sarehole Mill and Greet Mill. Greet Mill went out of use by 1843. It's last years was used for steel rolling. The last miller was John Biscoe, and the mill might have been demolished in the 1850s.

The River Cole was diverted in about 1860. The old bridge on the Stratford Road was replaced by a new stone bridge which opened in 1914. By then Birmingham City Council had taken over the running of the area from the former Yardley Rural District Council in 1911. Greet Mill used to be in the news whenever someone was drowned there a few times in the 1790s.

2009

I first popped into the Greet Mill Meadow in April 2009. The mosiac of a fish seen at the Green Road entrance. In the years since, I've noticed that it is missing a lot of tiles, and could do with repairing (either by the Canal & River Trust or Birmingham City Council).

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A damaged tree from the path. I didn't go too far as wanted to avoid the youths, so turned back and walked up Sarehole Road.

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Before I turned back I saw the first stepping stones for the first time. Too risky to cross at this time as the river level was quite high.

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I re-entered the Greet Mill Meadow at the Stratford Road, and saw this heart shaped mosaic. I think this one has faired better over the years since I first saw it.

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The fingerpost in the Greet Mill Meadow near the Stratford Road Bridge. To the left is the Burbury Brickworks (via the Blackberry Way). Sarehole Mill is to the right.

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The waterfall seen from the Stratford Road bridge which opened in 1914. The water in the River Cole was fast flowing that day.

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Another look at the waterfall. Would be years before I would return to the Greet Mill Meadow for a walk. After this I probably got a no 1 bus to Moseley Village, then a 50 up to Moseley Road Baths (for my first photos of the building).

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2015

In August 2015, I did a complete walk through of the Greet Mill Meadow, I think starting at the Stratford Road and ending at Green Road. Only got photos of the stepping stones at the time. The first stepping stones with a waterfall. I did not cross it. But much calmer than 6 years earlier.

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It is possible to cross over the stepping stones if you want to, just be careful, and don't slip into the River Cole! I think there must be paths in the woodland near Sarehole Road.

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Another look at the second set of stepping stones. Much calmer this time around. I wouldn't return to the Greet Mill Meadow until during the 2020 lockdown.

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2020

The lockdown daily walk in the Greet Mill Meadow was during May 2020, towards the Blackberry Way and Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve and back. Got more photos in here than ever before! The path was lined on the side by cow parsley and long grass. The route was so busy with families going on their daily walks.

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Part of the River Cole was quite shallow, and it looks like cyclists could ride their bikes through to the other side.

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Partway along the path was a path to the left. This leads to Bankside and Tenby Road.

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Another look at the stepping stones. While we didn't cross the stepping stones, I did see various families crossing them.

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May 2020 was without rain and the River Cole was quite shallow. So it would have been safe to cross the stepping stones, if you wanted to.

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The path continues towards the Stratford Road, as it's lined with all that cow parsley.

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An open field. The path to the left leads to Colgreave Avenue and the car park for Mughal & Azam. The building had a fire months ago, so the roof was covered in a material. They must be devestated by the fire. As it must cost a lot to repair the venue. And they would have to be closed for the duration of the lockdown. Sadly I don't think they will be ready to reopen in July 2020, at least not until the restaurant (ex church) is fully repaired.

dndimg alt="Greet Mill Meadow" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Greet Mill Meadow SCP (May 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the Stratford Road Bridge. Opened in 1914, it allows traffic to go towards the College Arms up Shaftmoor Lane or the Stratford Road in Hall Green. Sparkhill is in the other direction. We were about to cross the road into the Blackberry Way. I even saw a rat here, so litter is a bit of an issue around here.

dndimg alt="Greet Mill Meadow" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Greet Mill Meadow SCP (May 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later on the walk back from the Burbury Brickworks and Blackberry Way. Back in the Greet Mill Meadow. View to one of the stepping stones with some ducks in the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Greet Mill Meadow" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Greet Mill Meadow SCP (May 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the stepping stones had people on it earlier, so was able to get a new photo of it on the way back. The River Cole looks so calm and peaceful here. It's hard to tell that there even used to be a mill around here, what with all the trees all over the place. Was also a lost mill pool, that must now be part of the Cole here.

dndimg alt="Greet Mill Meadow" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Greet Mill Meadow SCP (May 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view looking down the River Cole, before heading down the path and back into the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground.

dndimg alt="Greet Mill Meadow" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Greet Mill Meadow SCP (May 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I will cover the Blackberry Way and Burbury Brickworks in a separate post.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

The John Morris Jones Walkway in the Shire Country Park

In the Shire Country Park, there is a walk from Cole Bank Road (opposite Sarehole Mill) towards Robin Hood Lane in Hall Green called the John Morris Jones Walkway. The path runs alongside the River Cole. There is also a large open field, that gets used during Tolkien weekends. John Morris Jones was the headmaster of George Dixon Junior School from 1960-80. He wrote about the area.

JOHN MORRIS JONES WALKWAY

In our next walking post in the Shire Country Park we will be entering the John Morris Jones Walkway. There is entrances on Cole Bank Road in the Sarehole area (the modern Moseley / Hall Green border). This entrance is opposite of Sarehole Mill. There is traffic lights near the Sarehole Mill Car Park that you can cross at. The walk takes you along the Millstream Way, following the route of the River Cole towards Robin Hood Lane (near Brook Lane). So you won't be too far from Billesley. After the John Morris Jones Walkway is The Dingles.

The John Morris Jones Walkway was named after John Morris Jones, who was the headmaster of George Dixon Junior School from 1960 until 1980. He wrote many books about South Birmingham, including about the areas such as Sarehole, Hall Green and Yardley Wood.

The field close to Cole Bank Road was originally called the Cotterills Meadow. But has been known for the last century as the Colebank Playing Field. There had also been a ford at Robin Hood Lane, but there is now a road bridge at this site.

2011

I first walked up a bit of the John Morris Jones Walkway during January 2011. Starting at the Robin Hood Lane end, a look at the River Cole from the bridge. This would have been the site of a ford. While it is bridged now, you can see remaining fords at Slade Lane, Scribers Lane and Green Road. There was some snow on the ground at the time.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Jan 2011) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Entering the John Morris Jones Walkway from Robin Hood Lane. Brook Lane is to the left of here.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Jan 2011) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Shire Country Park post, missing the directions to the other areas of the country park.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Jan 2011) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now onto the path heading to Cole Bank Road.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The path was a bit of a dirt path at the time, so had not yet been resurfaced.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Jan 2011) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got to a puddle and mud halfway, and decided to turn back.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Jan 2011) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Instead I left the John Morris Jones Walkway at Robin Hood Lane and walked up Wake Green Road instead. Would be another 5 years before I would do a full walk of this walkway.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Jan 2011) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2012

In March 2012, I was heading into The Dingles for the first time, when I saw the new wooden fence and gateway entrance to the John Morris Jones Walkway. I was walking from Billesley to Yardley Wood at the time, on a nice warm Spring afternoon.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2012).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2016

A May Day Bank Holiday walk in the Shire Country Park. Starting at the Sarehole Mill Car Park. Going through the John Morris Jones Walkway to get to The Dingles, Trittiford Mill Pool, Scribers Lane SINC and back. Saw some bluebells on the way.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the River Cole, not far from the Cole Bank Road end, was this back garden with a fence and gate to the river. I would see it again 4 years later on one of my lockdown walks up here.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A lock at the Colebank Playing Field. You don't just have to stick your walk to the main path, but you can walk through here, if the grass is dry. In the distance you can see the chimney of Sarehole Mill.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I also saw growing at the time, Dandelions.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2016) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

At least three walks through the John Morris Jones Walkway on lockdown, during March, April and May 2020. Changes every month.

The first lockdown walk was on the 26th March 2020, several days into it. I had come from the Trittiford Mill Pool and The Dingles, just had to go through the John Morris Jones Walkway. Getting in from Robin Hood Lane.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path was now more suitable for walking on. The trees had yet to grow their leaves back.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

All the plants along the path were quite low down at the time.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First lockdown look at the River Cole, just off the John Morris Jones Walkway.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look in the Colebank Playing Field, as a dog runs after it's owner. View of the chimney of Sarehole Mill.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back onto the path as I got closer to Cole Bank Road.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Houses on Sarehole Road have gardens that end a bit short of the river. But some have gates at the back. Maybe they have access to the other side of the river?

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting near Cole Bank Road and the end of this Shire Country Park walk.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (March 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On month on in April 2020. Now the 25th April 2020. And what a change in a month on lockdown! Leaves had grown back on the trees, and the growth on both sides of the path was a bit higher up.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bright sunshine on the walk through the Colebank Playing Field.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the far end of the Colebank Playing Field, before returning to the main path. Sarehole Mill is in the distance.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look at the River Cole.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back on the path to Robin Hood Lane.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The canopy of trees do make the wooden gated entrance look nice at Robin Hood Lane.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bluebells were growing on the left side.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look at the River Cole from the bridge on Robin Hood Lane. Saw a heron, but it flew away before I could zoom into it.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (Apr 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The third and most recent lockdown walk in here was during May 2020. Was on the 22nd May 2020. By now the River Cole was looking quite shallow, due to a month long drought. The walk started at the Sarehole Mill Car Park, and headed to The Dingles and back.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The fence along the path. There was now cow parsley growing along the walkway.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There's that garden with the wooden fence and gate on the riverside. I hope they don't get flooded.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back at the Robin Hood Lane end of the walkway before going into The Dingles again. The entrance to that part is up Coleside Avenue.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later coming back from The Dingles, and re-entering the John Morris Jones Walkway from Robin Hood Lane.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This time walked back through the field. Part of the grass had been mown for social distancing.

dndimg alt="John Morris Jones Walkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/John Morris Jones Walkway SCP (May 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

The Trittiford Mill Pool in the Shire Country Park

There is many satellite parks within the Shire Country Park. One of the most popular for walks or cycle rides is the Trittiford Mill Pool in Yardley Wood. Trittiford Park has been built up since the late 1920s. The pool is fed by a millrace cut from the River Cole approx 20 yards south of Slade Lane. The park covers 15.34 acres of which 8 acres is covered by the pool itself.

Trittiford Mill Pool, Shire Country Park

The Shire Country Park covers a four mile section of the River Cole Valley, Chinn Brook Valley, Moseley Bog and other satellite parks. The unique landscape is managed by the Birmingham Park Ranger Service and other local volunteers.

The parkland around Trittiford Park has been developed since the late 1920s. The River Cole nearby feeds the pool via a millrace close to Slade Lane. It is part of a vital chain of habitats that runs along the Cole Valley and is a S.I.N.C. Site of importance to Nature Conservation.

The Trittiford Mill Pool was created to supply water to Titterford Mill, which is known to have existed since 1779. The mill used to be at Trittiford Road where there are now buildings at Mill Gardens. The mill was advertised in 1784 as a new water corn mill. By the mid 19th century a steam engine was added. The mill was demolished after a fire in 1926.

The pool is home to a variety of wetland wildlife, including the Moorhen, Mute Swan, Black-Headed Gull and Pochard. Grey Heron can be regularly seen here.

Beyond the Trittiford Mill Pool to the south is the Scribers Lane Site of importance to Nature Conservation (usually just called Scribers Lane). The Dingles is to the north, and Chinn Brook Meadows to the west. It is in Yardley Wood.

The parkland is surrounded by Highfield Road to the north, Priory Road to the west, and Scribers Lane to the south.

I have been visiting the Trittiford Mill Pool multiple times over the years starting on Christmas Day 2013.

2013

Early on the morning of the 25th December 2013, sometime after 10am in the morning, we went for our first walk around the Trittiford Mill Pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Approaching the mill pool from the entrance near Highfield Road and Priory Road in Yardley Wood.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool Shire Country Park.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was quite early in the morning so was a lot of bright sunlight over the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a Coot swimming in the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The tarmac path was a bit old at this point. It would be replaced in the years to come.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This was still quite near the beginning of the walk around the pool in a clockwise direction.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Most trees without leaves apart from the evergreen ones.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The trees made nice reflections in the pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sunlight was still a bit too bright.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now saw a gull in the pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Swans and ducks.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Lots of gulls perched on this branch in the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Quite a lot of Canada Geese here.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A lady in a Christmas hat as they fed the swans, geese and ducks. Was a lot of "Merry Christmas" greetings around the pool that morning.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

All the swans, geese and ducks on the bank of the pool as they were eating bread. Please do not feed the birds bread. It is not good for them.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

More Canada Geese and gulls around.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the end of the fist walk, the way in or out near the bollards from Priory Road.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the signs that Welcomes you to the Shire Country Park and the Trittiford Mill Pool. It appears to be in the Selly Oak District at the time.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2013) (20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2016

The second walk into the Trittiford Mill Pool was during May 2016. It was the May Day Bank Holiday walk in the Shire Country Park, starting at the Sarehole Mill car park via John Morris Jones Walkway, The Dingles, Trittiford Mill Pool and Scribers Lane and back. At the time the Council was having new paths and wooden fences installed.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A new wooden fence near the new path. At a section where water from the River Cole goes into the Mill Pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was containers with graffiti on them and bags of building materials.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The grass was looking like they had just relaid it or something.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Fresh new tarmac paths to walk over the new bridge.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another Coot in the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

First time seeing a Great Cormorant, perched on a tree branch.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of the Mill Pool a new footbridge going over the link from the pool into the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Beyond here, the River Cole splits into two as it goes into the Scribers Lane S.I.N.C. area.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Back in the Trittiford Mill Pool saw this Greylag Goose.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

More Greylag Geese plus Canada Geese and some ducks.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2016) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another walk in December 2016. The new footpaths were now complete. Nearby is a small field where horse riders can go around with their horses. This area is off Brookwood Avenue in Yardley Wood.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Wasn't much leaves on the trees, so could see a lady riding her horse around.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This time I spotted a Little Egret perched on a branch.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The usual Canada Geese swimming around the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A gull in flight and other gulls around. One also perched at the bottom of a branch.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2016) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2017

The snow of December 2017. This was during the none stop snowfall of the 10th December 2017. Was was so cold and freezing that day!

Snow on the River Cole as I approached the Mill Pool from Highfield Road.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A winter wonderland in Yardley Wood.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Even the fingerpost was covered in snow. Directions to The Dingles and Scribers Lane.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Snow every where, only a quick look, as the snow was so thick.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still there was some people around the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw this dog near the mill pool which was frozen over.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There were birds in the pool but was a bit hard to see in these blizzard conditions at the time.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This was the only time I've seen this area covered in snow.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There's not been December snowfall since.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (Dec 2017) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

My first lockdown through here was in March 2020 as social distancing measures had started. Got on from Scribers Lane near the River Cole.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Shadows on the footbridge as I only did half of the mill pool this time around.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a blue sky, trees hadn't quite yet regrown their leaves.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw another Little Egret as I headed towards the main part of the Mill Pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Lots of people ahead, hopefully socially distancing. It was on the 26th March 2020, so people were still getting used to the lockdown restrictions at the time.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw an island in the middle of the lake where the birds usually are.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Quite a lot of ducks and Canada Geese close to the path. People walking their dogs, people having a walk. Some sitting on benches.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I think some ducks were flying over the mill pool there.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This swan made a nice reflection in the mill pool.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A man in blue running ahead of me, he would next go into The Dingles, as would I. Although he went well ahead of me at the time.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (March 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another walk around in May 2020. Starting from the Priory Road entrance. We walked half way around the Mill Pool, then into the Scribers Lane S.I.N.C. before completing the second half, and exiting at Priory Road.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a few people going around on their bikes.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seagulls perched on branches.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a Coot with her baby Coots. Look how cut they were!

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was also a Coot nest nearby.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later after coming back from Scribers Lane, back on the path towards Priory Road, as other people walked ahead. If we got close, we went onto the grass, trying to be 2 metres apart from them (if possible).

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I also saw this black Great Cormorant perched on a branch.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Leaves on the trees fully grown back. May was a dry, hot month.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After leaving the Trittiford Mill Pool, one last look from Priory Road before going home.

dndimg alt="Trittiford Mill Pool" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Trittiford Mill Pool SCP (May 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More posts coming soon from the Shire Country Park, so watch this space!

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

The ford on Green Road in the Shire Country Park

There is a ford on Green Road in Hall Green where the River Cole crosses it in the Shire Country Park. On foot you would pass it at the shallow ends from the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground into the Greet Mill Meadow. There is a bridge for pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists to use. Cars drive through the river. Sometimes gets flooded in heavy rain.

On the Millstream Way in the Shire Country Park is a ford at Green Road in Hall Green, Birmingham. The River Cole flows through the road, and usually cars drive through it when the water levels are low. There is a footbridge for pedestrians to use, also for dog walkers and cyclists. People with wellies walk into the river as there is a path into the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground. For other people who don't want their clothes and shoes to get wet, there is the dry path. One end of the ford is near the Greet Mill Meadow, a walk which leads to the Stratford Road at the Sparkhill / Springfield border.

2009

The first time I walked into the Shire Country Park was in April 2009, when I started taking photos around Birmingham. I got these photos of the River Cole at the Green Road ford. There is a measuring stick showing how high the water is getting.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Apr 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The footbridge is on the left on Green Road, close to the Greet Mill Meadow entrance.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Apr 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The River Cole flows into Green Road from the Greet Mill Meadow and continues onto Sarehole Mill and Cole Bank Road.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Apr 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2018

The next time I walked to the ford at Green Road was during March 2018. This was after the recent rain or snow, so I expected the river level of the Cole to be higher. After all there is always news about a car getting stuck in the river, or under the bridge! This is on the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground side.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (March 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The stick was showing it was only 1 foot high at this point (the water level of the River Cole).

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (March 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was some men standing on the bridge, but other than that the River Cole seemed shallow and passable at the time.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (March 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In the middle of Green Road, you can see how shallow the River Cole was, but best to get onto the pavement before a car comes

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road Hall Green flooded ford.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Personally I would think it would be best to drive on Cole Bank Road or Stratford Road, rather than take your car through the ford, especially if the river level is too high.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (March 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The other side of the River Cole in the Greet Mill Meadow, looked quite high on this side, compared to on the road side.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (March 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw one car going through, but I didn't get it going through the ford. I think I next walked back to Cole Bank Road along Sarehole Road at the time.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (March 2018) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2020

In February 2020, after popping down to Sarehole Mill for the Bakehouse open day during Storm Dennis, I walked into the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground, while it was wet and raining and headed to check out the ford on Green Road.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The ford wasn't as flooded as I expected it to be, but was too unsafe for cars to drive through it that day.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From this side on the footbridge, the water levels were looking a bit high.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view of the River Cole towards the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground. Definetely not worth driving your car into this during a storm!

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Ford warning sign said: CAUTION DO NOT CROSS.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up of the Ford sign with CAUTION DO NOT CROSS.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I also saw a man walking his dog while he stopped to let his dog have a drink in the Cole. After this, I walked back to Cole Bank Road along Sarehole Road.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (Feb 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on lockdown in April 2020. We walked from the Sarehole Mill Car Park, and we found this path between the River Cole and Coldbath Brook. It leads towards the ford on Green Road.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road ford SCP (April 2020) (1)(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You can see the footbridge on Green Road, but without wellies, and not wanting to get my shoes or jeans wet, turned back and got onto the main path in the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground Instead (via the Sarehole Mill Car Park).

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road ford SCP (April 2020) (2) (3000x2250).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For the first time, I managed to get a photo of a car driving through the ford on Green Road, giving off a bit of a splash!

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road ford SCP (April 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also saw a cyclist on Green Road, and near Sarehole Road. I would assume that he went into the Greet Mill Meadow.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road ford SCP (April 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw this sign, Try your brakes. We headed up Green Road to Wake Green Road to get into the Moseley Bog for a daily walk on lockdown.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road ford SCP (April 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the ford. It was registering as about half a foot, or less.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Road ford SCP (April 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One month on as lockdown restrictions have been eased. It's now May 2020. And we had come back from a walk in the Greet Mill Meadow. Caught this car driving through the ford on Green Road, with a spectacular splash through the River Cole! Just had to go back into the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground and we would be back in Sarehole Mill Car Park.

dndimg alt="Green Road ford" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Green Rd ford SCP (May 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Over the coming months there will be more posts from around the Shire Country Park, so watch this space. Also check out the gallery for the photos.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.