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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
02 Jun 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

A sunny day in May at Highbury Park and Highbury Hall

The first time back to Highbury Park since lockdown started (and this part of Moseley & Kings Heath). Starting from the Gatehouse near Moor Green Lane, the walk around the back during May 2020, via the gardens of Highbury Hall, before heading to the Dads Lane exit (to walk up to Kings Heath Park and back). Then taking the grass path back to the starting point.

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A sunny day in May at Highbury Park and Highbury Hall





The first time back to Highbury Park since lockdown started (and this part of Moseley & Kings Heath). Starting from the Gatehouse near Moor Green Lane, the walk around the back during May 2020, via the gardens of Highbury Hall, before heading to the Dads Lane exit (to walk up to Kings Heath Park and back). Then taking the grass path back to the starting point.


For my last Highbury Park post go to this link here: Highbury Park through the seasons and the years between Kings Heath and Moseley

Thank you Joseph Chamberlain for leaving your estate as open parkland after your death in 1914 for members of the public to enjoy. Also thanks to the Chamberlain Highbury Trust for maintaining Highbury Hall and the park, and hope they can continue to do so.

 

This visit was on Thursday 21st May 2020, in the afternoon.

Highbury Park

Starting at the Gatehouse near Moor Green Lane and Yew Tree Lane we followed the path amongst the trees into the park.

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

I found an old bricked pathway surrounded by trees, so took this route. Don't recall going down here before.

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

You can imagine this once being part of Joseph Chamberlain's gardens with colourful flowers, but it now just has green trees, shrubs and bushes.

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

Back onto the main path heading past the Long Pond.

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

Took a side path round the back of the Long Pond. Was some baby ducklings in there! How cute.

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

There was a lot of long grass, especially where cow parsley was growing, but most of the lawns were cut short.

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

Now on the path towards Dads Lane. But there was a lot of litter on the ground near the bin. Can people either take their litter home, or properly bin their waste? I also noticed that the car park near the Dads Lane entrance was in use.

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

At the Dads Lane exit / entrance near Shutlock Lane before the walk towards Kings Heath Park. The gate was open here as the car park was open.

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

After returning from Kings Heath Park, wanted to take the fastest route back to the starting point, and noticed this grass path cut amongst the long grass so took it.

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

Continuing along the grass path back towards the Gatehouse. The park looks lovely this time of year.

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

Highbury Hall

During the lockdown / pandemic, Highbury Hall has been closed. But Chamberlain's Gardens from Highbury Park was open, so we had a walk round to the back of the house. Saw some people sunbathing on the lawn!

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

The hall looks to be in good condition here, although the hall is being restored inside at the time. The hall was built in 1878-79 for Joseph Chamberlain.

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

Heading round to the left side of Highbury Hall. Got a nice shadow on this side.

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

The main entrance of Highbury Hall. The car park was empty and the gate locked.

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

Zoomed up to this stone with the 1879 date from when it was first built.

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

But I remembered that Highbury Hall had scaffolding and didn't see any until I zoomed towards the right side of the hall.

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

Some of my photos from the September 2018 Open Day are in this post: Inspirational day at Highbury Hall - well done Trustees and Volunteers of Chamberlain Highbury Trust!

Chamberlain's Gardens

Now for a look around Chamberlain's Gardens at Highbury Park & Hall. I was last around here during the September 2018 Open Day (see the Highbury Park gallery for those photos).

Head through these triangular sticks towards Highbury Hall.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Found a bog with algae on it, and a robin (before it flew away!).

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The footbridge towards Highbury Hall.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After a look again at the back of Highbury Hall, taking a path back into the park. This tree had fallen over. Also got to be careful with the roots of trees sticking out of some paths.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The trees continue as there was a fence around the site of Chamberlain House.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Children were playing with their parents in these woods near Highbury Hall.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Trees lining the fence near Chamberlain House.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Got to this area with yarn bombing around trees and multicoloured bunting.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some of these yarn bombing looked like spider webs or dartboards!

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back through the Vegetable Garden then back into Highbury Park.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain's Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlains Gardens Highbury Hall (May 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

If we can't get to stately homes in the Shire counties and their wonderful parks and gardens, then we can still get to the local parks that were formerly estates with a house (without going into the house of course).

 

More Birmingham park posts coming soon, so watch this space!

Expect posts from:

  • Old Yardley Park
  • The Vale Village
  • Summerfield Park
  • Daisy Farm Park
  • Cofton Park

 

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks to all my followers.

 

 

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown Green open spaces
07 Apr 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Kings Heath Park over the years from 2012 to 2019

I might not be able to go to Kings Heath Park now (as it's not in walking distance), but we can look back at my photos taken between 2012 and 2019 when I was able to get an 11C to Kings Heath. Most of my early photos were taken around February 2012, and I have returned on and off ever since. Although probably went to this park as a child in the 1980s (using the playground).

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Kings Heath Park over the years from 2012 to 2019





I might not be able to go to Kings Heath Park now (as it's not in walking distance), but we can look back at my photos taken between 2012 and 2019 when I was able to get an 11C to Kings Heath. Most of my early photos were taken around February 2012, and I have returned on and off ever since. Although probably went to this park as a child in the 1980s (using the playground).


It's about time for a new Kings Heath Park post, but using my photos taken on walks around the park between 2012 and 2019. Usually travel to Kings Heath on the 11C bus, but the 76 also goes past the park. The bus stop is on the Vicarage Road, but I might sometimes now get off on Addison Road and stop off for a coffee before walking to the park (of course this was all before lockdown). The schools of King Edward VI Camp Hill are located next door to the park. The High Street and Alcester Road South are in walking distance of the park down Vicarage Road.

 

For my previous Kings Heath Park posts click the following links to read and enjoy the photos:

 

2012

I first had a photo walk around Kings Heath Park in early February 2012.

Near the corner of the Vicarage Road and Avenue Road entrance is The Lodge at 72 Vicarage Road.

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

Swings in the playground as a jogger runs past me. I probably used these facilities back in the 1980s (These are not the same swings and slides as when I was a child and there wasn't a perimeter fence 35 years ago, but was in the same location).

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

This slide has a cylindrical shaped for kids to climb up.

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

It was winter and it was very cold as I walked around the paths in the park. The grass was frosted. And it snowed later that day.

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

Some dirt paths amongst the trees. They lead to the ponds.

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

The pond was completely frozen over at the time.

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

View to the School of Horticultural Training in what was Kings Heath House. A Grade II listed building School of Horticultural Training (in Kings Heath Park), Birmingham.  Dates to the early 19th century. But a previous house on this site that was owned by John Harwood was burnt down in 1791 during the Birmingham 'Church and King' Riots of 1791 (according to Bill Dargue's site (Kings Heath - Bill Dargue). The City Council later bought the existing house and grounds in 1908. It became a training centre for Birmingham Parks staff and the Birmingham Horticultural Training School was housed here from 1952.

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

This view of the pond while frozen opposite the School of Horticultural Training.

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

A dirt path through some trees. At the furthest end of the park, not far from the Camp Hill Line.

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

Several branches lying on the ground near the bed of leaves.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Feb 2012) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another playground close to the Avenue Road entrance with this tyre that kids can slide down the rope.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Feb 2012) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also saw this squirrel at the time.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Feb 2012) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2013

Trees in Kings Heath Park seen during the middle of May 2013. This was the day of the Free Radio Walkathon (link to the post is above). The trees were seen on Vicarage Road.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (May 2013) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A couple of weeks later and saw these bluebells from Avenue Road on the Late May Bank Holiday Weekend. From a walk down to Dog Pool Lane and Dad's Lane in Selly Park.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (May 2013) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2014

The visit during a warm March 2014, was to see the TV Garden on an Open Sunday, I only had my then smartphone camera with me at the time.

Saw this flower tower. The flower pots were planted by Cofton Nursery (Birmingham Bloom).

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There ws also this flower bed. I think it was close to Kings Heath House.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The pond in fine weather. I was trying to record a video clip but somehow also got this photo of the pond as well.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This time the sky was blue and the water jet fountains in the pond was one. Is several areas to sit with benches around the ponds.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

TV Garden

The TV Garden was open on Sunday 16th March 2014, and it is usually open about once a month in the afternoon. Although this was the only time I went around it. It was formerly used by ATV and Central TV in the past.

View of some greenhouses.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up to the three greenhouses in the wonderful sunshine.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Small pond with an abstract sculpture in it.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Decking over a sandy beach leading to a beach hut.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This area was taped off as there was a sprinkler watering the plants.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Triangular sculptures and  a small palm tree.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A wet patch, or another pond.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Beyond the pond, on the right was a green shipping container. Daffodils in the background.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (March 2014) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2015

During the summer of 2015, The Big Hoot 2015 owl sculpture trail was on around Birmingham, and that included Kings Heath. Was two owls in the park, one big one, and a Little Hoot owl in the tea room. I saw them during August 2015.

Outside was Blodeuwedd by the artist Guy McKinley. The sponsor was Wild in Art (who runs these trails all over the country / world).

dndimg alt="The Big Hoot in Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Kings Heath Park (August 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

As close up look at Blodeuwedd.

dndimg alt="The Big Hoot in Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Kings Heath Park (August 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The back of Blodeuwedd. I only really got this one from the side.

dndimg alt="The Big Hoot in Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Kings Heath Park (August 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside of the tea room at Kings Heath House was the Big Hoot's Little Hoot owl was Annie's Owl by Vinnie the Coach. Vinnie illustrates how The Little Hoot can be used as a device to enable young people of all ages to achieve their Arts Award. He takes inspiration from acclaimed Birmingham writer Benjamin Zephaniah's poem Nature Trail and visual influence from Vincent van Gogh. The sculpture is in memory of local resident Matt Kendall and will be a permanent monument for the Foundation set up in his honour.

dndimg alt="The Big Hoot in Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Hoot Kings Heath Park (August 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Big Hoot website that was up in 2015 is no longer online sadly. But has been saved / archived on the Wayback Machine. The Big Sleuth in 2017 did not have a trail around Kings Heath, which was a bit disappointing.

2016

Just one photo of Kings Heath Park taken on my then smartphone camera during May 2016. There was warm sunny weather at the time. Just up the path from the Vicarage Road. I think I sat on a bench to have a sandwich. The view towards the playground.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (May 2016).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2017

This view of red tulips seen from the 11A bus on the Vicarage Road, passing Kings Heath Park during April 2017.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In August 2017 this gate at the corner of Vicarage Road and Avenue Road was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. It was probably to stop travellers driving their caravans into the park and setting up an illegal camp.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (August 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Again sat on a park bench in Kings Heath Park, in a view similar to the one from a year before. This time as well as the playground, you could see the spire of All Saints Church.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (August 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My next proper walk in Kings Heath Park was during the autumn of October 2017. This was the start of a walk along the path near Avenue Road towards a bus stop on the Pershore Road in Selly Park.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A nice floral display around these bushes and trees.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Leaves all over the lawn near the playground, not far from Avenue Road.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Leaves falling off the trees. This relatively new looking tree had yellow leaves coming down.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2017) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a squirrel near one of the trees on the grass near all the leaves.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2017) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2018

A quick visit in February 2018. There was scaffolding on the School of Horticultural Training - Kings Heath House.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Feb 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of the scaffolding from the pond side.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Feb 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crocuses seen above the grass.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Feb 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My next visit was during April 2018. It was a nice sunny day, and I popped into Kings Heath Park before walking down Avenue Road, Dad's Lane and Moor Green Lane, before going into the Holders Lane & Pebble Mills Fields (rear entrance of Cannon Hill Park).

Got some decent photos of the water jet fountains in the pond.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zooming in past the water jet fountain to the ducks.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Red and yellow coloured flowers seen on the woodland walk.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This tree hadn't yet had it's leaves grow back at the time.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

White daffodils with orange parts in the middle.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yellow daffodils on the hill near Avenue Road. Just before passing the Camp Hill Line railway bridge.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Caught this squirrel before I headed down Dad's Lane.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (April 2018) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another walk around Kings Heath Park, this time during October 2018. This was from one of the times where I had a coffee at Coffee#1 then walked down to the park for a photo walk.

A dog being walked on a leash.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More autumnal trees with leaves on the ground on the side near Avenue Road.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a lot of leaves on the ground around these purple coloured flowers.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More leaves on the ground around one of the paths.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw these sheds / garages that I hadn't noticed on previous visits to the park.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close to one of the car parks was this small rock garden with summery trees.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2018) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For my photos from November 2018 please check out my post here: Raining at Kings Heath Park in late November 2018.

2019

For my April 2019 photos please check out this post here: Kings Heath Park over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend 2019

My last walk to date walking around Kings Heath Park was in October 2019. Again a walk after having a coffee at Coffee#1.

This time getting some new photos close up of the playground since my original photos back in 2012.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw some orange berries on a tree.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I thought that the play equipment was new, but it's probably the same ones that I've always seen in this playground.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As with other City parks, they have the yellow playground sign here. Welcome to Kings Heath Park Play Area. (of course now during the lockdown it is closed while the park is open).

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This slide is the exact same one that I took in 2012, but from the other side. When I used the slides and swings here in the mid 1980s, the equipment was different and there wasn't a perimeter fence around the playground. The benches in the park back then were also different.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another dog going for walk, this one didn't have a leash on (it's owner would have been nearby).

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another squirrel running across the grass with leaves everywhere.

dndimg alt="Kings Heath Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kings Heath Park (Oct 2019) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

 

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70 passion points
Elliott Brown Green open spaces
18 Nov 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Highbury Park through the seasons and the years between Kings Heath and Moseley

I first started getting photos of Highbury Park near Kings Heath and Moseley 10 years ago in December 2009. First proper venture into the park when it was all covered in snow to see Highbury Hall. The park was originally the grounds of the home of Joseph Chamberlain. He gave the park to the city before his death in 1914 and the park opened to the public in 1930.

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Highbury Park through the seasons and the years between Kings Heath and Moseley





I first started getting photos of Highbury Park near Kings Heath and Moseley 10 years ago in December 2009. First proper venture into the park when it was all covered in snow to see Highbury Hall. The park was originally the grounds of the home of Joseph Chamberlain. He gave the park to the city before his death in 1914 and the park opened to the public in 1930.


Highbury Park on Wikipedia. The park is the estate of Highbury Hall which was the former home of Joseph Chamberlain. Once the Mayor of Birmingham in the late 19th Century. He was later an MP. The hall is near the north east corner of the park on Yew Tree Road in Moseley (in the Moor Green area). Before he died he bequeathed the park to the people of Birmingham. The park finally opened to the public in 1930.

The Camp Hill Line is to the south of the park. Hopefully in a few years, Kings Heath Station will be rebuilt close to where The Gym and Homebase are now at the Findlay Road Retail Park.

The main entrance of the park is on the High Street in Kings Heath, close to Queensbridge Road. If you are coming from Kings Heath Park, you can also enter Highbury Park from Dad's Lane, in an entrance on Shutlock Lane. The other entrances and exits are on Moor Green Lane, and near the gatehouse lodge close to Yew Tree Road.

From here you can then walk towards Cannon Hill Park, either down Russell Road or head down Moor Green Lane and enter on Brockley Grove onto the Holders Lane Woods.

 

OK back to Highbury Park.

 

December 2009

The first time I got photos of Highbury Park was from early December 2009 from the High Street in Kings Heath, but I did not enter the park at this time as I wasn't ready. I probably headed up Queensbridge Road at the time.

dndimg alt="Highbury Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury Park (Dec 2009) no snow (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The path down into the park. I would return a few weeks later after it had snowed.

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About 4 days before Xmas Day I headed to the park, this time for an actual walk around. Back to the High Street, Kings Heath entrance (at this point hadn't used the other entrances). A bike near the caution sign.

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The old brick wall. It would later be fully repaired years later.

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One of the ponds in the park. Totally frozen and iced over.

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The paths near Moor Green Lane and Shutlock Lane had a thin layer of snow over them. Evergreen trees behind trees that had shed their leaves.

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I think the snow was completely frozen over the paths despite all the footprints and tyre marks from bikes. This path leads back to the old wall. The gardens of Highbury Hall are to the left of here.

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Near the entrance / exit to Moor Green Lane, close to Yew Tree Road is this gatehouse / lodge. Now a private residence. Built around 1880 as part of the original approach to Highbury Hall. Part of the drive is still present. But most of the route is now covered by trees. Now the only main entrance to Highbury Hall is on Yew Tree Road.

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January 2015

The next major time I visited Highbury Park with my camera was when there was these outdoor musical instruments that people could play with (especially young kids). This one looked like a harp.

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A carved wooden bench.

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Another wooden bench. Notice that they both have flowers carved into them.

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Can you play? Can you play loud or quiet? - Dynamics. Can you play long or short notes? Duration. This is what it says on each one of these musical instruments.

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A bit closer up. Not really sure how they work.

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A wooden circle. Birmingham's very on "Stone Henge" or more like "Wood Henge" in Highbury Park.

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Stone hall in a triangular piece of stone. Again not fully sure what you are supposed to do with this, maybe say something through the hole and another person may hear you?

dndimg alt="Highbury Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury Park outdoor instruments (Jan 2015) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

August 2018

Heading down Dad's Lane towards the Shutlock Lane entrane of the park. Saw this National Express West Midlands single decker bus on the 27 bus route. It would also pass Kings Heath Park.

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Saw a Land Rover Series II in the car park.

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Mocha Moo Cafe was at The Great Big Pet Picnic. Here people could get food and drink while with their pets in this field.

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The leaves were lush and green in the middle of August 2018. And the ponds made some nice reflections and ripples.

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The pond is also known as the Fish Pond. Many birds are to be seen around here.

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Saw this heron pirched on a branches of a tree that was over the pond.

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Trees in a wood and early signs of the autumn to come.

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Almost the middle of August, and leaves were already falling off trees, and it wasn't yet September!

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Yet the leaves on the trees were still green. Apart from the leaves that had already fallen.

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August 2019

Heading round the back of the old brick wall. Now fully restored, after part of it was damaged. Signs of graffiti, but faint.

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Getting closer to the wall. Trees all full of green leaves at this point. This was near the end of August 2019.

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Here you can see evidence of the brick wall repairs. Looking as good as new.

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A grass path amongst the trees. I didn't head up this one.

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Reflections in the pond. Leaves still lush and green before autumn came.

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A Common moorhen seen in the Fish Pond. The odd leaf had fallen into the pond. And the fishes are just about visible close to the surface. At least I think they are fishes!

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Several flower beds with roses. Close to the Shutlock Lane and Moor Green Lane exit.

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After this I headed down Moor Green Lane and went into Cannon Hill Park via the Holders Lane Woods. In late summer, there is usually a fun fair on the fairground in Cannon Hill Park, which I saw on my walk towards Edgbaston Road. You can even start your three parks walk in Kings Heath Park and walk through Highbury Park and then into Cannon Hill Park. Ending up near the Cricket Ground.

 

For more of my Highbury Park photos, please check out my Flickr album here Highbury Park.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
07 Nov 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Magical Lantern Festival 2017 at Kings Heath Park

The Magical Lantern Festival returned to Birmingham for the Christmas 2017 season, but this time at Kings Heath Park, having been at the Botanical Gardens the year before. I only really saw it in the daylight hours. Looked "magical" with the snow of December 2017. Did return once more at Christmas Eve, but didn't book a ticket to see after dark.

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Magical Lantern Festival 2017 at Kings Heath Park





The Magical Lantern Festival returned to Birmingham for the Christmas 2017 season, but this time at Kings Heath Park, having been at the Botanical Gardens the year before. I only really saw it in the daylight hours. Looked "magical" with the snow of December 2017. Did return once more at Christmas Eve, but didn't book a ticket to see after dark.


See also my Magical Lantern Festival post on the 2016 event at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

After getting some initial daylight photos from the 11A or 11C buses on the Vicarage Road in November 2017, I went to Kings Heath Park on the 8th December 2017 after it had snowed. Tickets to go after 5pm would have been anywhere between £15 to £17. But Kings Heath Park was open as normal before then for free.

A pink canopy of roses surrounded by snow.

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Santa with his reindeer near the entrance.

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Would assume that at nightfall you would walk under this archway.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) snow (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Snow covered presents, Christmas trees and a house with a boy.

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Snow covered elf.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) snow (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I wan't sure if this was Angry Birds or Rio?

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) snow (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Santa clock lamppost.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) snow (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Red boot with presents.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) snow (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Reindeer covered in snow looking sky blue in colour.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) snow (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2017 "Merry Christmas" and Santa on a relaxing armchair reading a list of kids present wishes. Why fly to Lapland when you could go to Kings Heath Park (2 years ago that is).

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I last came back on Christmas Eve 2017, by then the snow had melted, so looked a lot less Christmasy.

Fun fair rides under wraps. They probably open them up just before it gets dark. In the day they were covered over.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Polar bears. Now if only I got them with the snow.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some kind of flowers I would guess.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Polar bears again from another angle.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Oh look it's the red boot with presents again, but no snow this time.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Giant butterfly on a tree.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (6) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More flowers along side a path, on the leaf covered soil area.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (7) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In the pond was a frog (I think). Or some kind of pond monster?

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (8) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These swans look real, but they are jusr Magical Lanterns!

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (9) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham skyline. I would guess this would look nice lit up after dark.

dndimg alt="Magical Lantern Kings Heath" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Magical Lantern Festival 2017 Kings Heath Park (Dec 2017) Xmas Eve (10) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Link to the Botanical Gardens post Magical Lantern Festival 2016 Birmingham Botanical Gardens .

More photos here on my Flickr Magical Lantern Festival including photos from 2016 to 2018.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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The Friends of Kings Heath Park People & community
08 May 2019 - The Friends of Kings Heath Park
Gallery

April in Kings Heath Park.

Fresh spring leaves, spring blossom, and Easter Egg hunting in the park.

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April in Kings Heath Park.





Fresh spring leaves, spring blossom, and Easter Egg hunting in the park.


April brought new colours to Kings Heath Park as the buds opened to reveal fresh green leaves and spring blossom. The spring weather brought more people to the park, and the Friends of Kings Heath Park Litter Pickers were out, making sure that the park was tidy for all to enjoy.

The highlight of the month was the Easter weekend, with sunshine and warm temperatures making the park the perfect place to go. The Friends of Kings Heath Park put on a children's Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Saturday. Each child had to find one of the many wooden discs that had been hidden in the area of the park around the big horse chestnut tree, then exchange it for two eggs - a wooden one to paint, and a chocolate one to eat. The keen painters could also decorate rocks to hide in the park, continuing the 'Kings Heath Rocks' craze that has been keeping children and families entertained for well over a year now. 

The evenings are getting longer still, and the park is enjoyed by walkers of all ages, nature lovers, runners and sports groups, dog walkers, and families and children. A wonderful open space in our community of Kings Heath!

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