Planting along the River Rea

We have managed to plant 160 whips along the River Rea Natural Corridor in two short planting sessions.

Thanks, Dinny, Claire, Lynn, Liz, Andy, Louis, Rachel, Sarah (BOSFA), Adam and Paul (Rangers).

The idea is to broaden the depth of this area's rich habitat to help ensure wildlife prospers and the experience of those journeying along the River Rea through Kings Norton park and playing fields is enhanced. 

We want people to continue to enjoy a natural feeling in between the KN Nature Reserve and the Historic Canal Junction, without taking anything away from our Parks individuality.

Amongst the wildlife which is established along our stretch  of the River Rea are Kingsfisher, Cray Fish and Water Voles.  As we planted we watched a low diving Kingfisher, listened to the singing of the early migrant Chiff Chaff and we were overseen by the territorial red breasted robin.   We  inhaled the aroma of wild garlic from the deep green ground cover which will soon spring into a carpet of white and absorbed the warm rays of the sun.  An absolute pleasure.

From a densely wooded area along the river we aim to create a graduation into a softer meadow of wild flowers and grasses that will gently meet the edge of the formal Park.

Warning! You may soon see a change to mowing regime along the River Rea area which may initially seem as though the Council has failed to cut a patch grass.   They have but this is at our request in response to consultation we have undertaken over the last 18 months.

By not cutting the grass we will be able to discover what will naturally grow along this strip enabling before planning which wild flowers to sow.  This was once arable land not far from a manorial mill so it may have produce corn or barley, or its yield may only be dandelion, thistle or clover.

Please bear with us it may take a little time to create our attractive Natural River Rea Corrdor.

Your comments and assistance in this venture are encouraged, so please contact us if you wish to be added onto our mailing list and receive details of planting events.

email:  info.foknp@gmail.com

A Frenzy of Fun!

Phase 1 Completed and handed over, on the afternoon of Friday 30 March 2012

Kings Norton refurbished children's play area is open for the first time for the Easter holidays. 
A very big thank you to everyone who has madep this possible.


Kevan Green and friends test out the new bucket swing

Little Lilley overcomes the new play challenges on the mound

What an absolute pleasure to see such a frenzy of fun following the opening of the childrens play area to the general public on the stuningly sunny afternoon of  Friday 30 March 2012. 

Lilley's friends race to join her

There are new pieces of play equipment, repainted and repositioned pieces too.  All are accessible to children of mixed abilities and there is something for all ages.

Whilst others take a more relaxed approach and enjoy a seat in the sun

Unfortunately the slide which arrived had to be returned as the moulding was imperfect.  A new one will arrive in about 6 but weeks time.   It will be position through the gap featured above which provide an exciting entrance.

Phase II of the play area refurbishment will include a new multi-functional climbing experience.  You may recall that climbing scored very highly amongst children of all ages in our consultation exercise.   This will probably appear sometime during May.

More bins and benches will follow shortly.

We have to thank

• Birmingham City Councils Departments (especially, Sue Amey, Northfield and Edgbaston Parks Manager)
• Friends of Kings Norton Park, (notably Chris Hughes, Lynn and Lucy Horsnett)
• parents and children those who helped and took part in the consultation (especailly Kings Norton Nursery ,Kings Norton Infant and Junior School for allowing us to visit them)
• Contractors (Darren and co-workers) for a such an horganised and clean build - and for working so hard to ensure the play area was ready in time for the Easter holidays!
• Birmingham City Architects (especially Alan Smith) for putting our ideas into design and ensuring a well balanced, exciting and safe design
• local ward Councillors for signing on the dotted so children could have the kind of play area they deserve.

Please forward any comments to the friends group at:  info.foknp@gmail.com

Little Lilley overcomes the challenges of mound