2 Where are the Parks?

Park Names and Post Codes

Babbs Mill LNR – Fordbridge Road, Kingshurst, B37 6LN Langley Hall Park – Swanswell Road, Olton, B92 7EU Bentley Heath Park – Widney Road, Bentley Heath, Lavender Hall Park LNR – Lavender Hall Lane, car park B93 9BH entrance, Balsall Common, CV7 7BN Brueton Park and Malvern Park – Warwick Road, Marston Green Park – Brooklands Way, Marston Green, B91 3HA / New Road, , B91 3DL B37 7FT or Moorend Ave, , B37 5SD Cole Bank Park – Bushbury Croft, B37 6RH Meriden Park – Moorend Avenue, Chelmsley Wood, Dickens Heath Country Park – Aldershaws, B90 1SQ B37 5SH Dorridge Park – Grange Road, B93 8LJ Olton Jubilee Park – Lyndon Road, Olton, B92 7RQ – Tanhouse Farm Road, B92 9EY or Shirley Park – Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AL Damson Parkway, B91 2PP Tudor Grange Park – Monkspath Hall Road, car park Hillfield Park – Monkspath Hall Road, Monkspath, entrance, B91 3LU B91 3LU Knowle Park – Longdon Road, Knowle, B93 9HT Lanchester Park – Lanchester Way, Smiths Wood, B36 9LP

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information Welcome to Solihull’s Parks 3 Events Guide

Solihull is lucky enough to have a fantastic Contents selection of parks, why not explore them for yourself or join us for some of our family fun, Where are the parks? ...... 2 leisure and educational events. General information ...... 3 - 4 Key to symbols ...... 4 There are over a hundred Council organised January ...... 5 and community events each year in our February ...... 6 - 7 parks, with something for everyone, young March ...... 8 and old. There is always something going April ...... 9 - 10 on! May ...... 11 - 12 We’re really proud that six of our parks have June ...... 13 - 14 been awarded Green Flag status, a national Calendar of events ...... 15 - 18 award for parks which July ...... 19 - 20 are of a high standard August ...... 21 - 22 and have facilities for September ...... 24 - 25 the local community. October ...... 26 - 27 We are hoping to November ...... 28 continue our success and achieve the Green December ...... 29 Flag standard in some of our other parks in Park Photography Competition ...... 30 the near future. The Park Rangers ...... 30 Your Feedback ...... 31 Urbs in Rure is the motto for Solihull. Translated it means "the town in the country". You can see why, because Solihull Green Man Competition is lucky enough to have 17 main parks, so Hey kids! How many times can you there is bound to be an open space near you, spot the Green Man in our events with lots of events and excellent facilities on guide? Flick through the pages and offer. Throughout the Borough we have count how many times you spot him! football pitches, pitch and putt, playgrounds, skate parks and tennis courts Once you have your available. answer, put your answer on the form on New this year is the Meriden Park adventure the back page and send playground. The playground is open it to us at the address Monday– Friday 3.30pm-5.30pm and provided weekends 11.00am - 5.30pm and every weekday during school holidays. Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 4 Welcome to Solihull’s Parks Events Guide

Bookings Disabled access There are a number of events where you must All of our parks should be accessible to all. book in advance as places are limited. However it can be difficult to decide, depending Instructions about how to book are included on on your own personal circumstances whether or each individual event description. not the park is suitable for you. If you book a place on one of our events and find We have helped Disabledgo, a new internet that you can no longer attend, please let us know service to review some of our parks so that you so that we can let someone on the waiting list have the information you need to make a decision attend in your place. on whether or not the park is right for you. Visit www.disabledgo.info for more details. Some of Bookings for larger groups the parks have not been reviewed by Disabledgo Unfortunately we are unable to take bookings for but we have inspected them ourselves using the large groups at any of our small events which same criteria. For more detailed information on require advance booking. However, groups are each park and event accessibility, call us on more than welcome to attend any of the large 0121 704 8000 for a free fact sheet or visit the scale events, such as Halloween or Scarecrow website www.solihull.gov.uk events. Groups are advised to call us on Key to symbols 0121 704 6546 so that we can help and discuss your requirements. Solihull Council organised event / Ranger Service Let us know what you think We are always happy to hear your feedback about Kingfisher Country Park Rangers organised our events, what new events you would like to event. For more details on their events please see and the facilities on offer. Please let us know call 0121 748 3798 by filling in the form at the back of this booklet or Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) organised online at www.solihull.gov.uk/events event. These usually take place at the Bad weather conditions or cancellation of Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park. For further events information and to book workshops and For more information on an event you are events call 0121 704 0768 attending it is worth calling 0121 704 8000 or Other events in the guide which have not been visiting www.solihull.gov.uk/events which will colour coded have been organised by community contain up to date information on any changes or groups, clubs or charities. cancellations to the published programme. We do provide accurate and up to date information on our events and that of our partners’ events however on occasion, such as due to poor weather, we may need to make changes. 5 January

Woodland Management Sunday 10 January Hedge Laying Bills Wood LNR Sunday 24 January Get involved in coppicing and woodland Lavender Hall Park LNR management. Contact Solihull Conservation Help with this traditional form of hedge Volunteers beforehand to book onto the management. Contact Solihull task - 0121 459 1697 or [email protected]. Conservation Volunteers beforehand to book onto the task - 0121 459 1697 or Woodland Management [email protected]. Sunday 10 January, 10:30am – 2:30pm Yorkswood, meet at Ranger Office Join the Rangers for some practical conservation work in Yorkswood. Outdoor clothes and sturdy footwear recommended. Hot drinks provided, bring a packed lunch. Meet at the ranger base, Sports Pavilion, Kendrick Ave - B34 7SA. Parkridge Weekend Work Party Saturday 16 January, 10am – 3pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Join Warwickshire Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers on one of our weekend work parties. Help us to develop and maintain our 5.5 acre nature area. There will be a variety of tasks suitable for all ages and abilities. There will be one every month throughout the year - For more details contact 0121 704 0768. Big Garden Bird Watch Weekend Saturday 23 January, 9:30am (3 hrs approx) Brueton Park, car park Sunday 24 January, 11am – 1pm Babbs Mill LNR, meet by car park, just off Fordbridge Road near play area Join in the national RSPB survey to record birds in our local area. Bring a pen/clipboard and binoculars if you have them and then input your findings on www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch afterwards. On Saturday an RSPB representative will be assisting us and leading a walk around the park. Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 6 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Friday 5th Feb February Chinese New Year Event – High Street / Mell Square, Sat 13th Feb 11am – 4pm

Rhododendron control Sunday 7 February Elmdon Coppice Help remove this invasive shrub from the woodland. Rhododendron is pretty but it kills the natural vegetation including Bluebells and stops new trees growing. Contact Solihull Conservation Volunteers beforehand to book onto the task - 0121 459 1697 or [email protected]. Woodland Management Sunday 7 February, 10:30am – 2:30pm Yorkswood, meet at Rangers Office Join the Rangers for some practical conservation work in Yorkswood. Outdoor clothes and sturdy footwear recommended. Hot drinks provided, bring a packed lunch. Meet at the ranger base, Celebrating Play Sports Pavilion, Kendrick Ave - B34 7SA. Wednesday 17 February, 12pm - 3pm Children’s Workshops Olton Jubilee Park Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February, A family fun event to celebrate the 10:30am – 12pm redevelopment and improvement of 10 play Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park spaces over the last 12 months with Playbuilder A great selection of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust grant funding. The day will offer a range of fun, events on over the holidays including Survival play and sport activities for all ages making use of Dens, Woodland Explorers, Woodland Explorers the new BMX track and 5-a-side football pitch. for Tots, Feed the Birds and Nature’s Detectives. Nuts about Nature Club £3 per child, £4 per child for non WWT members Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park to book contact: 0121 704 0768. Join us on the following dates between 9:30am Winter Treasure Trail and 11:30am for a morning of Wildlife Exploration. Monday 15 February, 11am – 1pm This monthly Nuts about nature club is suitable for anyone aged over 5 who loves to discover the Elmdon Park great outdoors whatever the weather. Each Come along for a refreshing walk around the park session has a specific theme. To find out more and seek out clues to solve the mystery password information please call Parkridge Centre on 0121 and enjoy a craft activity afterwards. 704 0768. We hope to see you soon! Cost: £3 per Bird Feeder Making child, £4 for non WWT members. To book contact: Tuesday 16 February, 11am – 12:30pm 0121 704 076. 27th Feb, 27th March, 24th April, Bentley Heath Park 22nd May, 26th June, 24th July, 28th August, 25th Join the Park Rangers to make a seed ball or September, 23rd Oct, 27th Nov and 18th Dec. transform a plastic bottle into a bird feeder for your garden. Don’t forget to bring a plastic bottle!

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 7 February

National Nest Box Week Thursday 18 February, 11:30am (2hrs approx) Knowle Park Make a little home for your feathered friends to put up in your garden. We’ll even give you the Park Rangers’ secret recipe for seed balls – a real treat for the birds! Take your bird box home for £3.50 or leave them for the park. Booking essential as places are limited – 0121 704 8000. Woodland Management Sunday 21 February Millisons Wood LNR Help with coppicing to benefit the woodland flora and create a varied structure in the woodland. Contact Solihull Conservation Volunteers beforehand to book onto the task - 0121 459 1697 or [email protected].

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 8 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Sat 6 March March Job Fair – High Street/Mell Square – Wed 31 March, 11am – 4pm

Scrubland Management Sunday 7 March Elmdon Park Create a habitat for breeding birds. Contact Solihull Conservation Volunteers beforehand to book onto the task - 0121 459 1697 or [email protected]. Family Bushcraft Day Sunday 7 March, 10am - 12pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Come to the Parkridge Centre and spend the morning around the fire learning the skills of bushcraft and survival. FREE to Watch Members, £4 per child for non WWT members to book contact: 0121 704 0768 Star Gazing Norway - Journey beyond the Arctic Circle Thursday 18 March, Thursday 18 March, 10:30am – 12pm 7:30pm (2 hrs approx) Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Dorridge Park Join us for a talk on this interesting wilderness. Come and take a Places are limited and will be allocated on a first closer look at the come, first served basis. £2.50 including moon and other refreshments. Contact Anne Adams on fascinating objects 0121 743 5288. in our solar Early Meadow Cut system with our Sunday 21 March experts from Packhorse Bridge Knowle Help to cut back the coarse vegetation to Astronomical enhance the grassland and encourage the growth Society. Saturn will of wildflowers. Contact Solihull Conservation be visible too! Suitable Volunteers beforehand to book onto the task - for absolutely everyone. 0121 459 1697 or [email protected]. Bring your own telescope if you have one, and speak with Community Clean Up Action Day the experts about how to get the most Saturday 27 March, 2pm – 3:30pm out of it. Wrap up warm as the event will be Lavender Hall Park outdoors. If conditions are not suitable for star Help make a difference in our parks with the gazing we will postpone until 24th March. Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. Please check the website beforehand – Tasks can include fence maintenance, graffiti clear www.solihull.gov.uk/events. up, litter picking and other manual tasks. Be sure to bring gloves and sturdy shoes along with old clothes or overalls.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information Town Centre Events 9 Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 2 April Easter Event – Mell Square, April Tues 6 April – 11am – 2pm

Easter Egg Hunt Art Animal Tracks Friday 2 April, 11am – 3pm Wednesday 7 April, 11am (2hrs approx) Elmdon Park Dorridge Park The Easter Bunny has hidden clues around the This popular event will teach you to identify park…crack the password and win a chocolate different animal tracks and take a cast from their egg! There are puppet shows at 11:30, 12:30 and footprint. Can you track down our Park Ranger? 1:30, as well as children’s rides and refreshments Bring an apron or overalls! Pre booking essential – on site. £1.50 per child for treasure hunt and 0121 704 8000. puppet show – other attractions charged Easter Bonnet Making separately. Thursday 8 April, 11am – 1pm Easter Egg Hunt Olton Jubilee Friday 2 April, 10:30am – 12pm Bring along an old hat and some Easter Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park decorations, add some natural material from the Beat the bunnies to find the Easter eggs hidden park and make your very own Easter bonnet. around the Reserve. Make an Easter Card to take Explore Elmdon Coppice home. £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members. To book contact: 0121 704 0768. Friday 9 April, 11am - 12:30pm Elmdon Coppice Ranger Road Show Explore the woodland and get some help Tuesday 6 April, 10am – 3pm identifying the birds and bugs that live there. Mell Square Meet near the play area off Inchford Road and Come and meet the Park Ranger team and find Luddington Road. out more about what they do. There will be lots of information about the parks, wildflowers and trees. Children’s Workshops Tuesday 6 April – Friday 9 April, 10:30am – 12pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Lots of different sessions throughout the Easter holidays, with a different theme every day including Easter chicks, toddler’s Easter chicks, life in the undergrowth and wild tales! £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members. To book contact: 0121 704 0768.

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 10 Town Centre Events Craft Fair – High Street, Fri 16 & Sat 17 April April St Alphege Fair – High Street, Sat 17 April – 11am – 3pm

Children’s Workshops Family Volunteering Day Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April, Saturday 17 April, 10am – 3pm 10:30am – 12pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Join us at Parkridge Centre for a morning of More fantastic children’s activities this week practical management and an afternoon of including Trail Blazers, Spring True and False, bushcraft activities. Work as a family and meet Toddler Sensory Fun, Den Discovery and Creepy new people whilst caring for the reserve and Creepy Crawlies. £3 per child, £4 for non WWT having some fun. Don’t forget to wrap up for the members. To book contact: 0121 704 0768. weather and wear sturdy footwear. Free event. To book contact: 0121 704 0768 Spring River Walk Wednesday 14 April, 1pm (2 hr walk approx) Dizzy Duck Race Meriden Park, from Ranger info point Sunday 18 April, 11am (1 1/2 Hours Approx) Come for an afternoon stroll from Meriden Park Babbs Mill LNR to Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve with our local You’d have to be absolutely quackers to miss this Park Ranger, who will point out interesting one! Name your duck and wish it luck as it races features along the way. Tea and biscuits provided against your friends’ ducks along the river! There at the end. Sensible footwear is a must! will be a prize for the winner and a craft activity beforehand. Scarecrow Making Day Thursday 15 April, 10:30am Community Clean Up Action Day (1 1/2 Hours Approx) Wednesday 21 April, 10:30am – 12:30pm Knowle Park Meriden Park Let your creative side loose and your imagination Help make a difference in our parks with the run wild to design and build your very own Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. scarecrow. Join the fun competition for the most Tasks can include fence maintenance, graffiti clear creative scarecrow. Call 0121 704 8000 to get up and litter picking. Be sure to bring gloves, your equipment list and book your place. sturdy shoes and old clothes or overalls. Pond Dipping Saturday 24 April, 11am -1pm Marston Green Park Trawl the water and see what you can find hiding beneath the surface. How many mini beasts will you find? Make a mini beast mask or badge to take home with you!

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 11 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 7 May Gardeners' Delight - Mell Sq, Sat 15 May May

Bluebell Walk Monday 3 May, 11am – 1pm Yorkswood, meet at Rangers office A gentle ramble to see and smell the bluebells of Yorkswood, in this rare and special habitat. Sturdy footwear recommended, light refreshments provided at the end of the walk. Dawn Chorus Saturday 8 May, 4:30am (2 hrs approx) Elmdon Park Get up early and experience the natural world at its best. Learn about birds and bird song and Donkey Derby you'll be home in time for breakfast! Meet in car park next to St Nicholas Church off Damson Saturday 1 May, 1:45pm – 4:30pm Parkway. Shirley Park Donkey races, stalls, family entertainment and Bluebell Trail children’s rides and side shows make this a great Sunday 9 May, 10:30am - 2:30pm event for all the family. Coldlands Wood Bluebell Trail Why not get out and celebrate the arrival of spring whilst the flowers are in full bloom with a Saturday 1 May, 10:30am – 3pm beautiful bluebell walk. 30 Minute trail. Millisons Wood, Albert Road There’s nothing quite like it; a carpet of bluebells – discover all about this popular wildflower for yourself by following our trail. Look out for our second bluebell walk in a less well known woodland area. Music in the Park 1 Sunday 2 May, 2pm – 4:15pm Malvern Park Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of brass – playing a wide variety of tunes from musicals, TV and theatre. Look out for the other Music in the Park events throughout the year.

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 12 May

Gardeners' Delight Day Nature Walk Saturday 15 May – 11am – 4pm Saturday 29 Malvern Park and Mell Square May, 1:30pm Calling all budding gardeners! Join us in the Town (1 1/2 Hours Centre or Park for a glorious day of all things approx) garden related. With walks, talks, Lavender demonstrations, displays and a plant swap. Hall Park Children can enter our ‘decorate a welly’ Come and competition – for some exciting prizes! Make a find out day of it and bring a picnic! For more information about the wild go to www.solihull.gov.uk/events. side of Lavender Community Clean Up Action Day Hall Park on this Sunday 23 May, 11am – 2pm interesting nature walk. Shirley Park Discover the diverse habitats it hosts and the Help make a difference in our parks with the creatures that live there. Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. Music in the Park 2 Tasks include fence maintenance, graffiti clear up Sunday 30 May, 2pm – 4:15pm and litter picking. Be sure to bring gloves, sturdy Shirley Park shoes and old clothes or overalls. For more Whether you are just passing through or enjoying information on the Environmental champions a day in the park, you won’t want to miss out on a turn to page 25. local brass band playing tunes from musicals, TV and theatre. Peek in the Pond – Drop in Session Monday 31 May, 10.30am – 12pm & 1pm – 2.30pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Drop in any time to have a dip in our pond and see what creatures you can find. £1.50 per child (half an hour). For more information call: 0121 704 0768. Teddy Bears’ Picnic Monday 31 May, 1:30am – 1:30pm Cole Valley Forget Bear Grylls, have you and your bear got what it takes to join Kingfisher’s Teddy Bear Grylls and survive the wildness of the Cole valley? A teddy bears picnic with a difference. Fun and games for the family. Will involve travel over rough ground and don’t forget your bear.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 13 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 4 June Music Festival – Town Wide, w/c 19 June June

World Cup Fever Batty Boxes Tuesday 1 June, 10:30am – 1:30pm Friday 4 June, 11am (2hrs approx) Shirley Park Knowle Park Calling all footy fanatics! Come and show off your Come along and make your very own bat box skills in the park with our coaching staff and Park while finding out more about these fascinating Rangers on our mobile pitch. Make your own flag nocturnal creature. Take your box home for £3.50 and enter our World Cup winner competition to or leave it for the park. Booking is essential on win a prize! 0121 704 8000. Insect Homes Music in the Park 3 Wednesday 2 June, 11am – 1pm Sunday 6 June, 1pm – 3pm Elmdon Park Tudor Grange Park Build a mansion for your creepy crawly friends Summer is here, so come and join us for an with our Park Rangers. All you need to do is bring afternoon of music in the park, courtesy of a local a plastic bottle, and we will provide you with the brass band playing hits from musicals, TV and bits and bobs you will need to furnish and theatre. decorate it. Community Clean Up Action Day Teddy Bears' Picnic Wednesday 9 June, 10:30am – 12:30pm Thursday 3 June, 11am – 1pm Knowle Park Olton Jubilee Help make a difference in our parks with the Bring your favourite bear and some lunch, and Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. enjoy a picnic in the park. Meet Bearemy from Tasks include fence maintenance, graffiti clear up the Build a Bear Workshop and enter our and litter picking. Be sure to bring gloves, sturdy competition to win a prize! Free Punch and Judy shoes and old clothes or overalls. show for your entertainment!

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 14 June

Solihull Carnival Kingfisher Country Park Silver Jubilee Tudor Grange Park Saturday 26 June, 11am – 4pm Saturday 12 June Kingfisher Country Park - Sports Pavillion, Support Shirley Round Table in raising money for Kenrick Avenue, . local charities, by coming along to this traditional All that glitters at Kingfisher Country Park is silver family fun day starting with a parade through and not gold. A joint event with Solihull MBC and Solihull Town Centre and into the park. There are Kingfisher Country Park to celebrate the park’s lots of stalls and attractions as well as rides and silver jubilee. The festivities will consist of a day refreshments; especially at the fun fair (from of crafts, wildlife exhibits, activities, fun and Thursday to Saturday). games. Something for the whole family! For more info call - 0121 748 3798. Tree Trail Sunday 13 June, 2pm (2 Hrs approx) Yorkswood Examine the trees more closely and discover this lovely woodland with our Rangers and Junior Park Rangers.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 15 Your pull out Event summary

JANUARY Sun 10 Jan Woodland Management Bills Wood LNR Sun 10 Jan, 10.30am – 2.30pm Woodland Management Yorkswood Sat 16 Jan, 10am – 3pm Parkridge Weekend Work Party Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Sat 23 Jan, 9.30am (3 hrs) Big Garden Bird Watch Weekend Brueton Park, car park Sun 24 Jan, 11am – 1pm Big Garden Bird Watch Weekend Babbs Mill LNR Sun 24 Jan Hedge Laying Lavender Hall Park LNR

FEBRUARY Sun 7 Feb, 10.30am – 2.30pm Woodland Management Yorkswood Sun 7 Feb Rhododendron control Elmdon Coppice Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am - 12pm Brueton Park Mon 15 Feb, 11am – 1pm Winter Treasure Trail Elmdon Park Tue 16 Feb, 11am – 12:30 Bird Feeder Making Bentley Heath Park Wed 17 Feb, 12pm - 3pm Celebrating Play Olton Jubilee Park Thurs 18 Feb, 11:30am – (2hrs) National Nest Box Week Knowle Park Sun 21 Feb Woodland Management Millisons Wood LNR

MARCH Sun 7 March Scrubland Management Elmdon Park Sun 7 March, 10am - 12pm Family Bushcraft Day Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Thurs 18 March, 7:30pm (2 hrs) Star Gazing Dorridge Park Thurs 18 March, 10:30am – 12pm Norway - Journey beyond… Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Sun 21 March Early Meadow Cut Packhorse Bridge Sat 27 March, 2pm – 3:30pm Community Clean Up Action Day Lavender Hall Park APRIL Fri 2 April, 11am – 3pm Easter Egg Hunt Elmdon Park Fri 2 April, 10:30am – 12pm Easter Egg Hunt Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Tues 6 April, 10am – 3pm Ranger Road Show Mell Square Tues 6 April – Friday 9 April Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am - 12pm Wed 7 April, 11am (2hrs approx) Art Animal Tracks Dorridge Park 16 Solihull Parks

Thurs 8 April, 11am – 1pm Easter Bonnet Making Olton Jubilee Fri 9 April, 11am -12:30pm Explore Elmdon Coppice Elmdon Coppice Mon 12 Apr – Fri 16 Apr, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Wed 14 April, 1pm (2 hr walk approx) Spring River Walk Meriden Park Thurs 15 April, 10:30am (1 1/2 Hours Approx) Scarecrow Making Day Knowle Park Sat 17 April, 10am - 3pm Family Volunteering Day Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Sun 18 April, 11am (1 1/2 Hours Approx) Dizzy Duck Race Babbs Mill LNR Wed 21 April, 10:30am – 12:30pm Community Clean Up Action Day Meriden Park Sat 24 April, 11am -1pm Pond Dipping Marston Green Park

MAY Sat 1 May, 1:45pm – 4:30pm Donkey Derby Shirley Park Sat 1 May, 10:30am – 3pm Bluebell Trail Millisons Wood Sun 2 May, 2pm – 4:15pm Music in the Park 1 Malvern Park Mon 3 May, 11am – 1pm Bluebell Walk Yorkswood Sat 8 May, 4:30am (2 hrs approx) Dawn Chorus Elmdon Park Sun 9 May, 10:30am - 2.30pm Bluebell Trail Coldlands Wood Sat 15 May, 11am – 4pm Gardeners’ Delight Day Malvern Park and Mell Square Sun 23 May, 11am – 2pm Community Clean Up Action Day Shirley Park Sat 29 May, 1:30pm Nature Walk Lavender Hall (1 1/2 Hours approx) Park Sun 30 May, 2pm – 4:15pm Music in the Park 2 Shirley Park Mon 31 May, 10.30am – 12pm & Peek in the Pond-Drop in Session Parkridge Centre, 1pm – 2.30pm Brueton Park Mon 31 May, 1:30am – 1:30pm Teddy Bears Picnic Cole Valley

JUNE Tues 1 June, 10:30am – 1:30pm World Cup Fever Shirley Park Wed 2 June, 11am – 1pm Insect Homes Elmdon Park Thurs 3 June, 11am – 1pm Teddy Bears’ Picnic Olton Jubilee Fri 4 June, 11am (2hrs approx) Batty Boxes Knowle Park Sun 6 June, 1pm – 3pm Music in the Park 3 Tudor Grange Park Wed 9 June, 10:30am – 12:30pm Community Clean up Action Day Knowle Park Sat 12 June Solihull Carnival Sun 13 June, 2pm (2 Hrs approx) Tree Trail Yorkswood Sat 26 June, 11am – 4pm Kingfisher Country Park Silver Kingfisher Country Jubilee Park

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 17 Event summary

JULY Sun 4 July, 10am – 3pm Minibeast Mayhem Elmdon Park Sat 10 July Shirley Carnival Shirley Park Sat 17 July, 7pm - doors open from 6pm Knowle Park Party Knowle Park Sun 18 July, 2pm – 4pm Music in the Park 4 Elmdon Park Sun 18th July, 11am – 1pm Fairy Folk Yorkswood Wed 21 July Love in Shakespeare Brueton Park Sat 24 July, 10am - 3pm Road Show Mell Square Sun 25 July, 1:30pm (2 hrs approx) Explore Cole Valley Babbs Mill LNR, meet at Babbs Mill Boat House Car Park Mon 26 July – Fri 30 July, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Tues 27 July, 7pm The Secret Garden Brueton Park Wed 28 July, 10:30am – 3pm Fun Festival 1 Knowle Park Thurs 29 July, 10am – 12pm Community Clean up Action Day Dorridge Park AUGUST Mon 2 Aug, 11am - 12:30pm Explore Millenium Wood Millenium Wood Monday 2 August – Friday Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 6 August, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Wed 4 Aug, 10:30am – 3pm Fun Festival 2 Olton Jubilee Thurs 5 Aug, 8pm (2 hrs approx) Bat Walk 1 Brueton Park Mon 9 Aug – Fri 13 Aug, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Tues 10 Aug, 2pm – 4pm Orienteering in the Park Babbs Mill LNR Wed 11 Aug, 10:30am – 3pm Fun Festival 3 Meriden Park Thurs 12 Aug, 10am (2hrs approx) Creating Creatures Palmer’s Rough LNR Sun 15 Aug, 10:30am - 1:30pm Community Clean up Action Day Babbs Mill LNR Mon 16 Aug – Fri 20 Aug, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Tues 17 Aug, 8pm (2 hrs approx) Bat Walk 2 Babbs Mill LNR Wed 18 Aug, 10:30am – 3pm Fun Festival 4 Malvern Park Thurs 19 Aug, 11am – 1pm Minibeast Safari Marston Green Park Mon 23 Aug, 10:30am - 12:30pm Treemendous Trees Dorridge Park Mon 23 Aug – Fri 27 Aug, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Tues 24 Aug, 11am - 12:30pm Mini-beasts in Dickens Heath Dickens Heath Country Park 18 Your pull out Event summary

Wed 25 Aug, 10:30am – 3pm Fun Festival 5 Shirley Park Thurs 26 Aug, 11:30am – 3pm Mad Hatters Tea Party Meriden Park Thurs 26 Aug, 8pm (2hrs approx) Bat Walk 3 Elmdon Park Fri 27 Aug, 10am - 12pm Insects in a Changing Climate Lavender Hall Sun 29 Aug, 2pm – 4:15pm Music in the Park 5 Knowle Park Mon 30, 31 Aug & 1 Sept, Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park

SEPTEMBER Sun 5 Sept, 1:30pm (2hrs approx) Heritage Trail Elmdon Park, Tues 7 Sept, 10:30am – 12:30pm Community Clean up Action Day Malvern and Brueton Park Sun 12 Sept Dorridge Day Dorridge Park Sat 18 Sept, 11am – 3pm Heart of Kite Day Lavender Hall Park Fri 24 Sept, 6:30pm - 8pm Family Bat Bonanza Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Sun 26 Sept Fun in the Park Brueton Park

OCTOBER Sun 10 Oct, 11am – 3pm Forest Skills Yorkswood Thurs 14 Oct, 7:30pm (2 hrs approx) Star Gazing Dorridge Park Sun 17 Oct, 2pm (2 hrs approx) Autumn Walk Meriden Park Sat 23 Oct, 10am – 12pm Feed the Birds Day Bentley Heath Park Mon 25 Oct - Fri 29 Oct Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, 10:30am – 12pm Brueton Park Tues 26 Oct, 10:30am – 12:30pm Leaf Rainbows Lavender Hall Park Fri 29 Oct, 11am – 1pm Wicked Workshop and Terror Trail Elmdon Park Sun 31 Oct, 5:30pm (Various slots) Haunting Halloween Brueton Park

NOVEMBER Sat 6 Nov, gates open at 5.30 Round Table Community Tudor Grange Park Fireworks Display Sun 14 Nov, 1:30pm – 1 ½ hrs approx Babbs, Bark and Buds Babbs Mill LNR, meet by car park on Fordbridge Road Sun 14 Nov, 11am Mill to Farm Babbs Mill LNR Sat 20 Nov, 11pm – 3pm Oaks and Shires Smiths Wood LNR Sun 28 Nov, 1pm – 3pm Twinkly Tree Decorations Meriden Park

DECEMBER Sun 12 Dec, 12pm – 3pm Christmas in the Park Brueton Park Tues 21 Dec, 11am – 1pm Equinox Winter Wander Yorkswood Mon 20 Dec - Wed 22 Dec – Children’s Workshops Parkridge Centre, Brueton 10:30am – 12pm Park

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 19 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 2 July Midsummer Craft – High Street, July Sat 17 – Sun 18 July

Running time: Finish approx 9:45pm. Tickets: £7 (£3) in advance, £8 (£4) on the gate. Age: Any. Music in the Park 4 Sunday 18 July, 2pm – 4pm Elmdon Park, off Tanhouse Farm Road Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of brass – playing a wide variety of tunes from musicals, TV and theatre. A perfect way to enjoy the park! Minibeast Mayhem Fairy Folk Sunday 4 July, 10am – 3pm Sunday 18 July, 11am – 1pm Elmdon Park Yorkswood, meet at Rangers Office Get up close and personal with some We believe in fairies - come and find out why. seriously creepy creatures! Test your minibeast Fairy fun in Yorkswood, will you be lucky enough knowledge and learn some interesting facts in to spot one? Booking essential on 0121 748 3798. our scavenger hunt. If you are feeling brave you Love in Shakespeare can hold bugs, spiders and even giant Wednesday 21 July, 7:30pm cockroaches! Don’t forget your camera! Brueton Park Shirley Carnival - Shirley Park One man’s journey through love and romance. Saturday 10 July Showcasing a selection of Shakespeare plays with An action packed day for all the family with stalls, music and dance. Join us for this evening of entertainment and refreshments. This one is not Shakespeare in the delightful lakeside setting of to be missed! Brueton Park. The first 339 seats sold are guaranteed a seat in Knowle Park Party the Theatre in the event of extreme weather. Saturday 17 July, Bring a blanket/seat, picnic and clothing 7pm - doors open from 6pm appropriate for evening weather. Outdoor shows Knowle Park do sell out so always check availability before The ever popular Knowle Park Party returns with setting off if you intend to buy on the gate. a bumper line up, with something for all ages! Running Time: 2hrs 30mins incl. interval. Tickets Bring your own seating/blanket/picnic etc (no £9 (£8 concession £3 child in advance). £10 (9 barbeques). For tickets call or visit Tourist concession £4 child on the gate) Age: 8+. For Information Centre and Arts Complex booking tickets visit the Tourist Information Centre and office on 0121 704 6962. Also on sale from June at Arts Complex or call the booking office on Knowle Library from 1st June. Please check 0121 704 6962. availability as park shows do sell out.

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 20 Solihull Town Centre Events: Ranger Road Show – Mell Square, Sat 24 July – 10am – 3pm July Summer Fun – Mell Square, Thurs 29 July – 11am – 3pm

Road Show The Secret Garden Saturday 24 July, 10am - 3pm Tuesday 27 July, 7pm Mell Square Brueton Park It’s Love Parks Week, so come Presented by Heartbreak Productions. Frances and meet our Park Ranger team! Hodgson Burnett’s poignant tale of a proud and Find out about the 17 fantastic headstrong girl discovering some of life’s lessons parks we have around the Borough and the as a consequence of stumbling upon her uncle’s events that take place throughout the year. Face secret garden. The first 339 seats sold are painting and other craft activities all day! guaranteed a seat in the Theatre in the event of extreme weather. Bring a blanket/seat, picnic and Explore Cole Valley clothing appropriate for evening weather. Family Sunday 25 July, 1:30pm (2 hrs approx) shows do sell out so always check availability Babbs Mill LNR, before setting off if you intend to buy on the meet at Babbs Mill Boat House Car Park gate. Running Time: 2hrs incl. interval. Tickets: £7 A circular walk, led by our Park Rangers, from (£6) in advance or £8 (£7) on gate. Age: 5+. For Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve, Yorkswood and tickets visit the Tourist Information Centre and through Meriden Park and along the banks of the Arts Complex or call the booking office on River Cole. Please wear suitable footwear. 0121 704 6962. Children’s Workshops Fun Festival 1 – JURASSIC in the PARK! Monday 26 July – Friday 30 July, Wednesday 28 July, 10:30am – 3pm 10:30am – 12pm Knowle Park Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Dinosaurs are the theme for the day! Some A huge selection of workshops throughout the lizards, snakes and other interesting animals will week with a different theme each day; Bug hunts, be dropping in too. Bring an old sock (a clean amazing amphibians, bug hunts for tots, folklore one!) and turn it into a dinosaur puppet. There and fairytales and a teddy bears’ adventure. £3 will be rides and sweets too - don’t forget some per child, £4 for non WWT members. To book or pocket money. for more info contact - 0121 704 0768. Community Clean up Action Day Thursday 29 July, 10am – 12pm Dorridge Park Help make a difference in our parks with the Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. Tasks include fence maintenance, graffiti clear up and litter picking. Be sure to bring gloves, sturdy shoes and old clothes or overalls.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information Town Centre Events 21 Summer Fun – Mell Square, Thurs 5 Aug – 11am – 3pm August Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 6 Aug

Explore Millenium Wood Bat Walk 1 Monday 2 August, 11am - 12:30pm Thursday 5 August, 8pm (2 hrs approx) Millenium Wood Brueton Park Explore Bickenhill Parish Council's Millennium Ever wondered how to track down a bat? Find out wood. Find butterflies and other minibeasts and with the help of our experts and their bat get some help with their identification. Meet in detectors. Learn all about this fascinating the car park next to the Burial Ground off nocturnal creature. A brilliant evening for all the Bickenhill Road, Marston Green. family! £1.50 per person / £5.00 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). Pre booking via Solihull Tourist Children’s Workshops Information and Arts Complex, Central Library on Monday 2 August – Friday 6 August, 0121 704 6962. 10:30am – 12pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Children’s Workshops A huge selection of workshops throughout the Monday 9 August – Friday 13 August, week, a different theme each day; Nature’s 10:30am – 12pm fairies, Creepy-Creepy Crawlies, National Play Day, Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Alfresco Art, Nature’s Fairies for Tots. £3 per child, A huge selection of workshops throughout the £4 for non WWT members. To book or for more week, a different theme each day; Predators of info contact - 0121 704 0768. the Pond, Trail Blazers, Fairytales for tots, Brilliant Bushcraft, Summer colours for tots. £3 per child, Fun Festival 2 – Space and Aliens! £4 for non WWT members. To book or for more Wednesday 4 August, 10:30am – 3pm info contact - 0121 704 0768. Olton Jubilee Park It’s an intergalactic theme in the park today, so Orienteering in the Park why not dress up as a spaceman or an alien! Take Tuesday 10 August, 2pm – 4pm part in a spacey craft activity and watch a creative Babbs Mill LNR magic show. There will be rides and sweeties, so Take a tester session of this popular hobby with bring some pocket money. our experts. Learn how to navigate around the park and compete against your friends!

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 22 Solihull Town Centre Events: Summer Fun – Mell Square,Thurs 12 Aug – 11am – 3pm August Summer Fun – Mell Square, Thurs 19 Aug – 11am – 3pm

Fun Festival 3 – Circus Clowns Bat Walk 2 Wednesday 11 August, 10:30am – 3pm Tuesday 17 August, 8pm (2 hrs approx) Meriden Park Babbs Mill LNR, meet at Boat House car park, off Roll up, roll up! Come dressed up as a clown and Fordbridge Road. learn some fantastic circus skills to amaze your Try and spot our resident bats zooming around friends with. There will be craft activities to join the night sky and around the lake trying to find in with and a selection of rides, so bring a little bit some dinner! If you don’t see them, you’ll of pocket money! definitely hear them with our high-tech bat detectors! £1.50 per person / £5.00 family ticket Creating Creatures (2 adults, 2 children). Pre booking via Solihull Thursday 12 August, 10am (2hrs approx) Tourist Information and Arts Complex, Central Palmer's Rough LNR, Car Park by Health Centre Library on 0121 704 6962. off Northbrook Road Make an animal sculpture using natural materials Fun Festival 4 – Emergency Services! you find in the park. Lots of artistic flair and Wednesday 18 August, 10:30am – 3pm imagination required! Spaces are limited, so book Malvern Park on 0121 704 8000. Dress up as a fireman, policeman, doctor or a nurse! Get in an emergency services vehicle and Community Clean up Action Day have a look round. Make your own nurse or Sunday 15 August, 10:30am - 1:30pm policeman’s badge. Rides and sweets available, so Babbs Mill LNR bring some pocket money. Help improve this fantastic park by joining our Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. Minibeast Safari Tasks include fence maintenance, graffiti clear up Thursday 19 August, 11am – 1pm and litter picking. Be sure to bring gloves, sturdy Marston Green Park shoes and old clothes or overalls. Bring a packed Discovery and exploration will be theme for lunch. today! What’s hiding under the logs or in the grass by the pond? Have a go at catching a Children’s Workshops dragonfly using a net and examine this creature in Monday 16 August – Friday 20 August, greater detail. 10:30am – 12pm Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Treemendous Trees A huge selection of workshops throughout the Monday 23 August, 10:30am - 12:30pm week, a different theme each day; Nature’s Dorridge Park Detectives, Folklore and Fairytales, If you go Fancy yourself as a tree detective? Join our Park down to the woods today, Pond Pirates and Wild Rangers to examine different leaves and bark to Tales for Tots. £3 per child, £4 for non WWT work out which tree they came from. Take home members. To book or for more info contact - your very own tree identification chart! 0121 704 0768.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information Solihull Town Centre Events: 23 Shirley Summer Fun – Shirley, Tues 24 Aug – 11am – 3pm Summer Fun – Mell Square, Thurs 26 Aug – August 11am – 3pm Midsummer Craft – Mell Square, Sat 28 Aug

Children’s Workshops Bat Walk 3 Monday 23 August – Friday 27 August, Thursday 26 August, 8pm (2hrs approx) 10:30am – 12pm Elmdon Park, Tanhouse farm Road car park Parkridge Centre Brueton Park Find out more about this fascinating creature and A huge selection of workshops throughout the hear them swooping around the lake in search for week, a different theme each day; Tree Treats, an evening snack! A fantastic evening for all the Beautiful Birds, Beautiful Birds for tots, Super family! £1.50 per person / £5.00 family ticket Spiders and Super Spiders for tots. £3 per child, (2 adults, 2 children). Pre booking via Solihull £4 for non WWT members. To book or for more Tourist Information and Arts Complex, Central info contact - 0121 704 0768. Library on 0121 704 6962. Mini-beasts in Dickens Heath Insects in a Changing Climate Tuesday 24 August, 11am - 12:30pm Friday 27 August, 10am - 12pm Dickens Heath Country Park Lavender Hall Find butterflies and other mini-beasts and get Join us for a bug hunt to seek out creepy crawlies some help with their identification from our who are finding new homes in a climate that is experts. Meet off Aldershaws. possibly changing. Our experts will help you find bugs all over the park. Fun Festival 5 – Pirates and Princesses Wednesday 25 August, 10:30am – 3pm Music in the Park 5 Shirley Park Sunday 29 August, 2pm – 4:15pm Pirates and princesses is today’s theme! There will Knowle Park be a puppet show and other entertainment. Take It’s your final chance to enjoy an outdoor brass part in a craft activity and bring some pocket band performance from one of our local bands money as there will be sweets and rides! with music from shows, TV and film. Why not bring a picnic to enjoy? Mad Hatters Tea Party Thursday 26 August, 11:30am – 3pm Children’s Workshops Meriden Park Monday 30, 31 August & 1 September, It’s summer, so come along with your packed 10:30am – 12pm lunch for a picnic in the park. Watch a Punch and Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Judy show, take part in a craft activity and a A selection of workshops from Monday to teddy bears’ treasure hunt. Why not come in Wednesday, a different theme each day; Nature’s fancy dress? Bring some pocket money if you Fairies for Tots, Scarecrows and Scared Crows and would like a go on the rides, the rest is free! Junior Wild Food Forage. £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members. To book or for more info contact - 0121 704 0768.

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 24 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 3 Sept September Rotary Festival – High Street/Mell Square, Sat 25 Sept

Heritage Trail Sunday 5 September, 1:30pm (2hrs approx) Elmdon Park, Church car park off Damson Parkway Find out more about this country style park – including the Hall and outbuildings and the family that lived there. Community Clean up Action Day Tuesday 7 September, 10:30am – 12:30pm Malvern and Brueton Park Help make a difference in our parks with the Environmental Champions by joining in a clean up. Tasks include fence maintenance, graffiti clear up and litter picking. Be sure to bring gloves, sturdy shoes and old clothes or overalls. Family Bat Bonanza Friday 24 September, 6:30pm - 8pm Dorridge Day Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Sunday 12 September In your families, challenge yourselves to the batty Dorridge Park quiz. Make a lantern to help you see when night This long-running event is heaps of fun for all the falls, and join us on a hunt for experts of family! With a fantastic selection of nocturnal aviation. Remember your torches for entertainment, stalls and refreshments you won’t the walk back to the car park! £3 per person, £4 want to miss this bumper-filled day! Support for non WWT members. To book contact: Knowle and Dorridge Round Table in raising 0121 704 0768 money for local charities. Fun in the Park Heart of England Kite Day Sunday 26 September (TBC) Saturday 18 September, 11am – 3pm Brueton Park Lavender Hall Park With a week of arts events throughout the “Let’s go fly a kite”, as the borough, the festival arrives at the park, with a famous song goes! Learn wonderful mix of arena activities, stalls and some kite skills from our displays for you to visit. Organised by the team of experts, make a Monkspath Rotary Club and Soroptomists who kite for a small charge or are aiming to raise money for various local bring your own kite to charities, so please support them. Visit fly in the park. Be www.solihull.gov.uk/events for more information amazed by the nearer the time. professional demonstrations which will be going on all day! With children’s rides and a puppet show this truly is a day for all the family!

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 25

The volunteers are keen to help others and as The Environmental Champions well as having a positive impact on the The Environmental Champion project was set up environmental quality of their area, we hope that in 2007 to tackle the environmental issues that their work will increase respect for our affect everyone in Solihull such as graffiti, environment and public places, and reduce littering, fly-tipping, overgrown vegetation, and people's tolerance of environmental crime. We vandalism to name just a few. hope that this will then lead to a reduction in such crimes and boost people’s confidence in the area, The project relies on local residents joining up and resulting in the continued improvement of the helping to fight environmental crime within the neighborhood. All of this will improve the health area that they live by taking part in activities such and wellbeing of people living in, working in and as litter picks, cleaning graffiti and painting play visiting Solihull. equipment. Volunteers are trained, equipped and empowered to deal with minor issues and report Anyone can be an Environment Champion; the their findings back to the Environmental only requirement is an interest in protecting and Champion Co-ordinator at the Council. improving Solihull's environment, and the quality of life of those living within it. Environmental Champions also get involved in larger projects such as creating community For further information please contact Trish gardens, repainting scout huts and community Willetts, Environmental Champion Co-ordinator clean up days in the borough’s parks. on 0121 704 6534 or [email protected].

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 26 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 1st Oct Halloween Treats – Mell Square, October Fri 29 Oct, 12pm – 2pm Carousel – Mell Square, Sat 23 – Sun 31 Oct

Forest Skills Children’s Workshops Sunday 10 October,11am – 3pm Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October – Yorkswood, meet at Rangers Office 10:30am – 12pm Back by popular demand, this event aims to Parkridge Centre Brueton Park introduce all ages to a variety of woodland skills A selection of workshops from Monday to Friday, in Yorkswood. Activities include; den building, a different theme each day; Survival Dens, camp fire craft, use of tools and camp cooking. Autumn Watch, Hedgehogs & Hibernation, Wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch. Ghastly Ghouls and Halloween Horrors. £3 per Booking essential on 0121 748 3798. child, £4 for non WWT members. To book or for more info contact - 0121 704 0768. Star Gazing Tuesday 14 October, 7:30pm (2 hrs approx) Leaf Rainbows Dorridge Park Tuesday 26 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm Come and join us and our experts from Knowle Lavender Hall Park Astronomical Society for an evening of It’s that time of year when the leaves are falling intergalactic discovery! See the moon like you and perfect for making an autumnal rainbow! never have before and view Jupiter and Uranus, Make a green man mask and finally take part in as well as other interesting objects in the night our treasure trail to learn about different types of sky! Suitable for absolutely everyone! Wrap up leaves and trees. warm as we will be outdoors. If conditions are not suitable for star gazing we will postpone until 19th October. Please go to www.solihull.gov.uk/events for more info. Autumn Walk Sunday 17 October, 2pm (2 hrs approx) Meriden Park, by the Ranger info point Join one of our Park Rangers for a walk round this lovely park and learn more about its interesting features. Feed the Birds Day Saturday 23 October,10am – 12pm Bentley Heath Park Come and help our feathered friends by making your very own bird feeder – with the cold months ahead they need our support. You can also make a pine cone feeder to take home. Bring a plastic milk/pop bottle with you.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 27 October

Wicked Workshop and Terror Trail Friday 29 October, 11am – 1pm Elmdon Park Come in your scariest fancy dress, take part in our craft activity and then follow our haunting trail around the park. Haunting Halloween Sunday 31 October, 5:30pm, 5:50pm, 6:10pm, 6:30pm, 6:50pm Brueton Park Are you scared of the dark? There are creatures and monsters that could jump out at any time and Smelly Nelly, our resident witch will be lurking about! Spooky storytelling and a creepy walk around the park…come in your most frightening fancy dress for a chance to win in our competition. Bring a torch and warm clothing! Pre booking is essential - £2.00 per adult/child. Book via Tourist information and Arts Complex, Central Library on – 0121 704 6962. This event does sell out quickly!

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 28 Town Centre Events Farmers’ Market – High Street, November Fri 5 Nov

Round Table Community Fireworks Display! Saturday 6 November, gates open at 5:30pm Tudor Grange Park Solihull Round Table collect for numerous local charities and good causes and following the success of their event in 2009, their annual community firework display will be held in Tudor Grange Park and entry will once again be free. The event will be a family orientated event with entertainment for all! Babbs, Bark and Buds Sunday 14 November, 1:30pm 1 ½ hrs approx Babbs Mill LNR, meet by car park on Fordbridge Road A brisk winter woodland walk and tree identification challenge with the Park Ranger team. Mill to Farm Sunday 14 November, 11am Babbs Mill LNR Walk from Babbs Mill Kingshurst to Shel- don Country Park Farm. A gentle stroll linking green spaces in Solihull and , approxi- mately 4.5 miles. Tea and biscuits provided at the farm. This walk is one way only. Sturdy footwear recommended. Booking essential on 0121 748 3798. Oaks and Shires Saturday 20 November, 11pm – 3pm Smiths Wood LNR Learn about woodlands and have a go at traditional woodland crafts including wood turning, willow weaving and gypsy flowers. Meet the heavy horse and find out how the horse helps us to manage our woodlands. Twinkly Tree Decorations Sunday 28 November, 1pm – 3pm Meriden Park, by the Ranger info point Christmas is just around the corner so come and join us for a festive craft activity. Make a sparkly decoration to take home for your tree. Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information Town Centre Events Christmas Craft – Mell Square, Wed 1 Dec 29 Farmers’ Market – High Street, Fri 3 Dec Christmas Craft – High Street, Wed 8 Dec December Christmas Craft – Mell Square, Wed 15 Dec Christmas Craft – Mell Square, Wed 22 Dec

Christmas in the Park Children’s Workshops Sunday 12 December, 12pm – 3pm Monday 20 December - Brueton Park Wednesday 22 December 10:30am – 12pm Father Christmas is popping into the park to take Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park a break from his hectic schedule! Come and see A selection of workshops from Monday to him to receive a small gift. Try the present hunt Wednesday, a different theme each day; Winter around the park afterwards. £2.00 per child. Wonderland, Festive Fun and Festive Fun for Tots. Carols in the Park, 1pm – 3pm £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members. Come and share in some yuletide cheer with our To book or for more info contact - carol singers and brass band. Sing along and get 0121 704 0768. in the Christmas mood! Equinox Winter Wander Tuesday 21 December, 11am – 1pm Yorkswood, Meet at Rangers Office On the shortest day of the year take time out from the Christmas rush, slow down and enjoy the start of winter’s retreat. Fairtrade mince pies and hot chocolate to follow this gentle stroll. Booking preferred on 0121 748 3798.

Key to Symbols Solihull Council Organised Event Kingfisher Country Park Rangers Organised Event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) Organised Event 30 Park Photography Competition

Win a space in next year’s Park Events Guide by sending us your best snap of a local park. If it’s good enough you might even make it on to the front cover! The theme is fun in the park! Maybe at an event, a family outing or a sports activity; whatever you like! There are two categories – under 16 and over 16. Winners from each category will win a family ticket to the Pantomime. Please print your entry and send by post to - Events and Marketing, Solihull Council, P O Box 19, Council House, Solihull, B91 9QT. Unfortunately we cannot return any photos.

Meet your local Park Rangers… Solihull Council’s Park Rangers have been looking after the borough’s parks since 2002 and are an enthusiastic team of nature and community minded individuals set up to develop the parks as not only places for leisure but as hubs for growing and strengthening communities.

The Rangers have access to valuable information and details about all the events and activities within the parks. They work with schools and local clubs to educate young and old on how to look after our parks and also offer opportunities to get involved in conservation activities. The team works seven days a week, between the hours of 8am and 6pm, so you are likely to meet your local Park Rangers in their distinctive blue uniforms, in the near future. Park Ranger vehicles are clearly marked so if you see one in the park you'll know that a Ranger is never far away.

Call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000 for more information 31 Your feedback counts

We would like to hear what you think about our park events and if you have any ideas for future events. Please complete this form and post it back to Solihull Council, Events and Marketing, Places Directorate, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, The Council House, P.O. Box 19, Solihull B91 9QT. Or simply log on to www.solihull.gov.uk/events and fill in the form online.

Title First Name Surname Address Post code Email address I attended the event in park. Questionaire Q1. I heard about this event via: The events guide On a poster Newspaper Word of mouth Library or tourist info Other Q2. I thought the event was: Very Good Good Fair poor Q3. How many park events have you attended since December 2009? 1 2-3 4-5 More Comment

Q4. Have you heard of the Park Rangers? Yes No Offers and News Please place me on the emailing list for future park events, offers and information. (This will be stored by Solihull Council only and not passed on to any third parties) Green Man Competition Number of Green Men I found a winner will be chosen in autumn 2010.