There is a hidden gem in Solihull, not far from Whitlocks End Station. On Tythe Barn Lane in Dickens Heath is the Akamba Heritage Centre. A garden centre, plus a Metal Zoo with sculptures of zoo animals that you can see from the pavement opposite (without actually entering the site). A small piece of the African jungle in Solihull.

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Akamba Heritage Centre the Metal Zoo in Solihull!





There is a hidden gem in Solihull, not far from Whitlocks End Station. On Tythe Barn Lane in Dickens Heath is the Akamba Heritage Centre. A garden centre, plus a Metal Zoo with sculptures of zoo animals that you can see from the pavement opposite (without actually entering the site). A small piece of the African jungle in Solihull.


Akamba Heritage Centre is in Solihull. In an area more known for farmland and grass roots football clubs, the least likely place to find a centre like this is near Dickens Heath. It is on Tythe Barn Lane, a short walk away from Whitlocks End Station.

 

As their signs say: "The home of: Tribe Bar & Eatery (Caribbean Take Away), Uhuru Art Gallery, Juakali Metal Zoo. Specialise in African Art & Culture - Rare & Exotic Plants from all over the World. The Midlands Best Kept Secret. A Garden Centre like no other."

 

March 2018

The first walk past the Akamba Heritage Centre during a walk around Dickens Heath in Solihull. Was walking to Whitlocks End Station to get a train home.

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Sign on the right with details of the facilities here and contact details.

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Could already see some of the metal zoo sculptures from the pavement opposite.

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They have Tribe Bar & Eatery here. Caribbean Take Away.

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Juakali Metal Zoo. Hot food and drinks. Plus a Gift Shop.

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Also some palm trees in the area outside, the UK weather must be a bit cold for what they have in Africa and the West Indies.

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An elephant and crocodile metal sculpture near the "We're open" sign.

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Close up zoom in of the metal elephant.

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Was also a metal hippo behind the "We're open" sign.

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February 2021

A walk from Shirley down Haslucks Green Road. Into Major's Green (Worcestershire). Then towards Whitlocks End Station, and up Tythe Barn Lane for another look at Akamba Heritage Centre. Closed of course as we are still on lockdown.

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This time, first thing I spot was the palm trees. At least there was a bit of blue sky with the clouds!

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A metal horse. Unless it's meant to be a zebra?

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A metal bird with a long beak and tall legs. Possibly an African openbill. Or a stork.

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Barbed wires above the gates. Metal elephant behind. Palm trees look nice, they survived the British winter.

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A metal giraffe.

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Despite the sign saying "We are open", I think they have been closed while we are still in lockdown. They probably reopened in 2020 from July to October, before the 2nd and 3rd lockdowns and the Tier 3 and 4 restrictions.

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