Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground: A Hidden Gem in Ward End

Main entrance shot of Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground

The work of the Ward End Residents Group (WERG) with Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground and the local area is much like the emerging season of Spring – full of green shoots and new beginnings. Found within a larger ‘green’ corridor for nature, this space is part of the Kingfisher Country Park and the Cole Valley Cycle Route. It’s a green haven that has quietly nurtured its biodiversity over the years, sitting between an industrial site and a bustling residential area, with three historic tower blocks Barn House, Oast House, and Mill House overlooking the space.

The area is rich in character, with two striking brutalist railway bridges adding to its unique atmospher. Visitors might look up and spot a peregrine falcon hunting seagulls, or along the River Cole, once the workhorse of the city, they’ll now find kingfishers, herons, and thriving river life. The river flows on, connecting to Kingfisher Shard End, Batchelors Farm, and beyond!

Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground is also home to two natural pools, where geese, moorhens, and coots thrive. The geese, in particular, are beloved local characters, often seen venturing onto the Cottesmeadow Estate and Cotterills Lane grass verges, even stopping traffic before waddling back home.

When people visit the site, their reactions are often:

• “Wow, this is a little gem!”
• “I’ve lived here forever and didn’t know this was here!”
• “We used to take the children here, but it’s become run down and untidy.”

This is where WERG’s mission begins. The group aims to put this natural asset on the map, making it safe, tidy, and accessible for children while caring for its biodiversity!

A Growing Force for Conservation

Since becoming Brum River Champions, WERG has put Ward End on the conservation map and is looking forward to contributing to measuring the health of the River Cole. Since joining the initiative in February 2024, WERG has mobilized 13 individual members and associates to take part in litter-picking efforts on the Recreation Ground, including local police officers. Together they’ve collected over 150 bags of litter, making a visible difference to the area.

Local Councillor Marje Bridle highlighted the impact of WERG’s work, sharing:
“Sergeant Patel talked at the Ward Meeting about the real value you and your residents’ group have brought to our part of Ward End and how you had really brought attention to your area.”

Volunteers like Steve Barr and Sonia Douglas have also shared their thoughts:

• Steve said: “Working as a volunteer makes me feel valued when I take part in litter picking. It gives me a great sense of fulfillment when I finish.”
• Sonia added: “I want to see the area as it used to be and see the Recreation Ground improved for the wildlife there.”

Carolyn Davis, Chair of WERG, emphasized the group’s vision:
“I want to raise local knowledge and pride in this great community asset, see its biodiversity revitalised and protected.”

Upcoming Conservation Event with Severn Trent – April 2025

In a significant step forward, Severn Trent has partnered with WERG for a conservation event in April 2025. The focus will be on clearing the natural pools of flytipping, including shopping trolleys and retrieving lifebuoys that have been thrown in – a crucial health and safety measure. Members of the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team may also join the effort, depending on availability.

Parks have agreed to clear all the debris collected during the event, ensuring the natural pools can thrive and support their wildfowl population and biodiversity. This collaboration marks an important milestone in WERG’s mission to protect and enhance Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground.

Join Us for a Special Event on 5th June

As part of BOSF’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, WERG is excited to host a Nature & Nurturing Event on 5th June at 1pm. The event will include refreshments and cake, followed by a guided walk led by Chris Millward, who shares WERG’s passion for Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground.

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet allies of Cotterills Lane, explore the site, and celebrate its natural beauty. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, everyone is welcome to join in and discover this hidden gem.

A Personal Connection to the Rec

For many members of WERG, the relationship with Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground is deeply personal. One member recalls growing up in a large family, where the Rec was a free and cherished escape. Hours were spent collecting flowers, grasses, and leaves, and even trying stickleback fishing with a little net. Every creature was carefully observed and released back into the wild.

While some of that childhood knowledge may have faded, the appreciation for green spaces and their importance to health and wellbeing has only grown stronger. WERG’s involvement with the Birmingham Open Spaces Forum has deepened their commitment to the Rec. They see themselves not just as volunteers, but as allies to Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground.

Partnerships for a Greener Future

Caring for a green space like Cotterills Lane requires more than just WERG. It takes partnerships with Birmingham City Council, Parks, Severn Trent, Birmingham River Champions, and other organisations dedicated to supporting nature. These collaborations are the green shoots being nurtured by the group.

WERG has already made strides with regular litter picks and is mapping out conservation activities for the coming year. Their goals include installing interpretation boards and clearing invasive species like Azolla from the pools.

One of their key partnerships is with Team4Nature and Chris Millward, who shares their values and passion for bringing people closer to nature. Together, they’ve hosted two successful events, and the upcoming Spring Nature Walk, Bird, and Butterfly Spot on 5th April will introduce young people to the site. WERG is also working to bring Scouts and Guides to the space, hoping to inspire future generations to care for green spaces.

Growing Green Allies

WERG believes that by sharing the beauty and importance of Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground, they can grow a community of future green allies. If you are interested in joining forces or learning more, get in contact with WERG via email [email protected].

Together, the community can ensure that Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground remains a thriving, bio-diverse space for generations to come!