Wildlife Archives - Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/category/wildlife/ 18th Century Formal Gardens and Local Nature Reserve Parkland (Grade2*) Sat, 16 May 2026 10:09:51 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 New funding to restore our nature… https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2026/05/16/new-funding-to-restore-our-nature/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2026/05/16/new-funding-to-restore-our-nature/#respond Sat, 16 May 2026 09:04:21 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=529116 The post New funding to restore our nature… appeared first on Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens.

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Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens are absolutely delighted to announce the award of a generous £89,300 grant from  HS2, marking the beginning of an exciting eighteen-month project entitled Restoring Nature, Creating Access.

This significant funding brings renewed hope and determination as we embark on vital restoration and improvements throughout our cherished historic gardens and city green spaces.

This grant will allow us to undertake a transformative project, including restoration of boundary trees, replenishing hundreds of metres of box hedging lost to BoxMoth, enhancing biodiversity, opening up new and improved access paths, and championing composting and sustainable practices within the Gardens and local community.

The funding is from HS2s Community and Environment Fund (CEF) which was created to provide benefits to communities along the line of route that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of the new railway.  Further information about CEF can be found at: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/hs2funds.

Head Gardener, Denise Seckham, shares her pride in the largely volunteer team’s resilience, as they thoughtfully balance the requirements of the historic gardens’ early18th-century design with contemporary environmental needs. The loss of the emblematic Box hedging in recent years has been a real test, emotionally and physically, but this new support inspires renewed efforts and optimism for the future.

Liam Byrne, MP for HodgeHill and North Solihull, whose constituency included the Gardens and Parkland says

“The work done by the charity on the Gardens and Parkland is inspiring. The funding from HS2 will provide much needed support for the Charity to continue to look after these valued and valuable historic green spaces. It will enable to continue expand

community participation and foster deeper appreciation of this unique natural environment by facilitating access to leisure and providing formal training opportunities.”

The CEF funding in combination with vital financial contributions from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust UK and The Rowlands Trust means our Gardens are now well-placed to tackle these challenges, safeguarding the historic character of the estate while embracing innovation and sustainability. The project is due to commence in early summer and will run through to the end of 2027, working hand-in-hand with our ongoing seasonal maintenance and the rhythm of nature itself.

The Gardens team is deeply committed to minimising disruption for visitors and ensuring that our vibrant calendar of events and activities continues uninterrupted.

Community engagement and volunteer involvement remain at the heart of everything we do, in keeping with our forty-year tradition, and we warmly invite everyone to keep an eye out for ways to participate as this exciting project unfolds. Together, we are shaping an inspiring future for Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens!

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2026/05/16/new-funding-to-restore-our-nature/feed/ 0 Green Flag Award 2025 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2025/07/16/green-flag-award-2025/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2025/07/16/green-flag-award-2025/#respond Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:14:36 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=527352 The post Green Flag Award 2025 appeared first on Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens.

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Green Flag Award 2025

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens are celebrating receiving a prestigious Green Flag Award for the Parkland.

Castle Bromwich Historic Parkland has achieved the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks The historic parkland in Castle Bromwich, affectionately known as ‘Lady Brad’s’’ raises prestigious Green Flag Community Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for the 30 acre historic Parkland it manages alongside the 350year old formal Gardens.

The site is one of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The news that ‘Lady Brads’ has met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

The 30 acre historic Parkland is just one section of a wider Conservation Area, the largest in the Borough and Constituency, in the built up area of East Birmingham.
Dating back over 400 years the Parkland is a valued piece of history and a vital space for nature in the industrialised landscape.

Olly Pickering, the Trust’s Parkland Manager commented, ”Over a period of just four years we have been able to stop the rapid decline and loss of some valuable habitats, restored wetlands and opened up pathways, making it good for wildlife and a much safer place for locals to spend time.”

“While both Birmingham and Solihull Councils retain overall responsibility for the open space”, says Olly, “it has been our independent Trust and local volunteers who’ve raised the grant funds from various resources and done work to restore and manage the Parkland.”

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Quality parks and green spaces like the Castle Bromwich Parkland which make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, Castle Bromwich Historic Parkland is a vital green space for communities in Birmingham and Solihull to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under
licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and
rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the
management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

 

We are very proud to have won this Green Flag Award because it is the benchmark standard for the management of outdoor spaces around the world. Highlighting the hard work that has been put into caring for our green spaces.

More about the Green Flag Awards

 

There are many things involved in the management of outdoor spaces and visiting judges score a site based on a list of 27 criteria. Which includes what they on the day and the sites management plan.

 

  • A Welcoming Place
  • Good and Safe Access
  • Signage
  • Equal Access to All
  • Appropriate Provision of Quality Facilities and Activities
  • Safe Equipment and Facilities
  • Personal Security
  • Control of Dogs/Dog Fouling
  • Litter and Waste Management
  • Horticultural Maintenance
  • Arboricultural Maintenance
  • Building and Infrastructure Maintenance
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Managing Environmental Impact
  • Waste Minimisation
  • Chemical Use
  • Peat Use
  • Climate Change Adaption Strategies
  • Management of Natural Features; Wild Fauna and Flora
  • Conservation of Landscape Features
  • Conservation of Buildings and Structures
  • Community Involvement in Management and Development
  • Appropriate Provision for Community
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Appropriate Information Channels
  • Appropriate Educational Interpretational Information
  • Implementation of Management Plan

To find out more about what a Green Flag Award mean please click here. 

If you love our Green Flag Award winning Parkland as much as we do consider donating. As a charitable trust we greatly appreciate any support that comes our way.

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2025/07/16/green-flag-award-2025/feed/ 0 Active Conservation and Growing at the Gardens https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2024/02/21/active-conservation-and-growing-at-the-gardens/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2024/02/21/active-conservation-and-growing-at-the-gardens/#respond Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:27:07 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=17664 As well as welcoming active volunteer gardeners to help look after this massive historic space,  the Gardens Trust has plenty of other opportunities for you to get involved. Growing and…

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]]> As well as welcoming active volunteer gardeners to help look after this massive historic space,  the Gardens Trust has plenty of other opportunities for you to get involved.

Growing and Outdoor Wellbeing activities starting in March

Get Started Growing

A no hassle series of workshops to help you feel confident growing your own plants

Book here

 

Eco Gym

These sessions for members of the local community to get involved in conservation. 

Want to stay in shape? Make new friends? Improve your wellbeing? Give something back to nature?

Here’s your answer! A free nature based volunteering session. Get moving with a variety of tasks that will give your local green space a helping hand. Meet new people who share a passion for being outdoors and staying active.

Soak up the benefits that fresh air and green space have on our mental health. We meet regularly to carry out seasonal conservation tasks, with a mixture of gentle and more strenuous activities depending on your energy levels.

Book here

 

Forest School

Every Saturday morning.. Pre booking essential

Forest school is a child centred outdoor learning experience which encourages holistic growth and development in the outdoors for children & adults.

Play, controlled risk and nature exploration are key to the process.

Each session will be 2 hours long and will contain opportunities for families to take part in an array of activities from den building, fire lighting, slack lining, storytelling, free play and much more.

Book here 

 

Want to be a regular Gardening volunteer …  click here to register your interest  Volunteering

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2024/02/21/active-conservation-and-growing-at-the-gardens/feed/ 0 February Half Term 2023 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2023/02/20/february-half-term-2023/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2023/02/20/february-half-term-2023/#respond Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:09:22 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=11588 The Gardens are open EVERY DAY during half term –  From Sat 18th to Sunday 26th. Every Day you can …welly wang… make pinecone birdfeeders… make a noise and explore…

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]]> The Gardens are open EVERY DAY during half term –  From Sat 18th to Sunday 26th.

Every Day you can …welly wang… make pinecone birdfeeders… make a noise and explore why Percy the ParkKeeper’s shed is full of animals. Half Term fun from 16th – 26th, No need to book £5 adults £2 for children 3years+ #halfterm #schoolholidays #outdoorfun

Of course you can just come for a walk too (the Snowdrops are looking particularly lovely) and to have a cup of something at our outdoor courtyard Cafe.

As well as our 10 acre historic formal gardens dont forget to visit, explore and follow the Nature Trail on the adjoining Historic Parkland (free to use)

 

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2023/02/20/february-half-term-2023/feed/ 0 Going With The Flow https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2022/05/28/going-with-the-flow/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2022/05/28/going-with-the-flow/#respond Sat, 28 May 2022 16:05:08 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=8872 The post Going With The Flow appeared first on Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens.

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Going with the Flow

We won the Gold!

 

We are very happy to announce that we have won a grant of £20,000 from Severn Trent Community Fund! This is incredible and we are very grateful to everyone who voted for us and helped spread the word.

The grant will fund our project Going with the Flow. Which will support work in the Gardens and the Parkland.

This amazing opportunity will also enable the sustainable management of the Gardens and 150 mature trees.

Keep a look out for volunteer opportunities and join our mailing list to hear the latest.
CBH fund short.mp4
from Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

  • Rainwater Harvesting

    We will build a rainwater harvesting system for our outhouses which will save over 30,000 litres of water each year and will also provide water for the plants in the 18th century Gardens.

  • Restoration

    Restore an ancient Holloway and field boundary hedgerow for bats and birds, as well as restoring other natural habitats including the Wetland to support local wildlife.

  • Events

    This will even help us to run future events, like foraging, wildlife detective activities, forest schools and more for over 80 children and families in the area.

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2022/05/28/going-with-the-flow/feed/ 0 The Parkland Project is looking for Volunteers! https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/06/14/the-parkland-project-is-looking-for-volunteers/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/06/14/the-parkland-project-is-looking-for-volunteers/#respond Mon, 14 Jun 2021 16:18:56 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=8311 We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to get involved with the Parkland Project. You will be helping to enhance the habitats for wildlife and people by carrying out…

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]]> We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to get involved with the Parkland Project. You will be helping to enhance the habitats for wildlife and people by carrying out practical conservation that will make a big difference as well as learn new skills and meet new people!

When?

Taster sessions this June: Thursday 17th & 24th 10:30am – 12:00pm – Booking Essential!

What we will be doing:

We need your help to carry out important work on this parkland, conserving, enhancing and restoring the natural heritage features.

Tasks will include woodland, wetland and grassland management, removal of invasive non-native species, wildlife surveying, access improvements and litter picking.

Why get involved?

Be part of a small, friendly team of like minded people.

Free outdoor gym!

You’ll get a chance to really explore this wild and beautiful green space, learn more about this Parkland and really get your hands dirty!

You will learn about wildlife conservation and habitat management and you’ll also have the opportunity to train in and share skills and techniques.

This is a chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife and habitat conservation and have a real impact on this local park.

The Skills/Talents You’ll Need:

Enthusiasm and an interest in conservation are great.

No specialist skills are required though some level of fitness and a desire of work outside (in all weather) is important.

Tools are provided but please bring some gloves, snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up!

What to learn more and book on?

Contact us by email: CastleBromParklandInfo@gmail.com

 

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/06/14/the-parkland-project-is-looking-for-volunteers/feed/ 0 Tree ‘Popping’ in the Parkland https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/05/20/tree-popping-in-the-parkland/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/05/20/tree-popping-in-the-parkland/#respond Thu, 20 May 2021 17:31:12 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=8293 We were busy Tree ‘popping’ with our LYRiC (Love your River Cole) trainees in the  Parkland last week. It was both a training exercise showing them how the tool worked…

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We were busy Tree ‘popping’ with our LYRiC (Love your River Cole) trainees in the  Parkland last week.

It was both a training exercise showing them how the tool worked as well as what could be achieved with it, as well as a chance to do some much needed woodland work.

I borrowed the Tree Popping tools from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, one of our project partners, which we put to good use removing some of the many Horse chestnut and Sycamore saplings that are springing up as well as some of the Holly.

Fortune was on our side as all the recent rain ensured the ground was soft resulting in even very tall (7ft) saplings coming out with their roots intact. 

We created two ‘dead’ hedges with the removed saplings and brash which creates a nice habitat for wildlife and a tidy boundary between areas.

We cleared a good sized area between our historic ‘Avenue of Trees‘ which just starts to hint at how the avenue will look once we have opened up this section.

If you are interested to learning more and would like to get involved please get in touch – we would love to hear from you!

Email us on: CastleBromParklandInfo@gmail.com  – Your friendly Parkland Team: Tara, Ann & Oliver.

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/05/20/tree-popping-in-the-parkland/feed/ 0 Parkland News – Making Homes for Wildlife https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/04/26/parkland-news-making-homes-for-wildlife/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/04/26/parkland-news-making-homes-for-wildlife/#respond Mon, 26 Apr 2021 10:50:13 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=8231 Hibernacula ... a home for newts..

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]]> We have been busy in the Parkland creating homes for wildlife!

You may have noticed some activity as the Parkland team was busy creating two hibernacula for our amphibious and reptile friends.

What’s an Hibernaculum?

An hibernaculum is simply a refuge or shelter.

These can be made from a variety of natural materials – tree roots, leaf litter, compost heaps, log piles and rock piles are great refuges and over-wintering sites for reptiles and amphibians – providing habitat, cover, locations to bask in the sunshine, and a food store. 

A tidy log pile surrounded by good cover will gradually become over grown and will mature into a good refuge.

We sited our hibernacula near to the wildlife pond that is within the Castle Bromwich formal gardens making it an ideal home for the frogs, newts, grass snakes and other animals that could be living here.

   

How did we make them?

  1. Firstly we cleared a small area of brambles and nettles and dug a shallow trench, saving the turf and soil for later.
  2. Then we placed pipes, rocks, broken pots and woody roots and sticks into the trench. These create lots of holes, crevices and ways in for the wildlife to enter the base of the refuge.
  3. Once we were happy with this layer we started placing logs on top, varying the direction of them and so creating lots of spaces for creatures to hide and sleep in.
  4. Time for a layer of soil! This helps stabilise the log pile.
  5. We kept stacking the logs and sticks until we had reached a good height, then we topped it all with the saved soil and turf we had from digging the trench.
  6. It looks a little messy bit soon grass and wild flowers will grow on top and the bramble will creep a little closer and add some extra protection.


Its not just for frogs, newts and reptiles though. It will become home solitary bees as well as whole range of insects like beetles, woodlice, earwigs and centipedes!

We used the leftover logs, that were a bit too big, to create a ‘dead hedge’. This will be used by passing birds, wood mice, voles and other wildlife to hide from their predators and shelter from bad weather.

 

Did you know?

Other animals that use hibernaculum’s are hedgehogs!

These prickly mammals hibernate during the cold winter months in nests made from grass, leaves and usually make them under hedgerows or in bramble thickets. They are also known to nest under sheds, decking and in compost heaps in peoples gardens.

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/04/26/parkland-news-making-homes-for-wildlife/feed/ 0 Getting to know the Parkland https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/03/30/getting-to-know-the-parkland/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/03/30/getting-to-know-the-parkland/#respond Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:48:17 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=8201 This 12 hectare greenspace is an oasis of calm and tranquility in an otherwise densely built up area. A short stroll into the Parkland and you instantly start to relax…

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]]> This 12 hectare greenspace is an oasis of calm and tranquility in an otherwise densely built up area. A short stroll into the Parkland and you instantly start to relax and breath more easily, you are surrounded by tall grasses, brambles, trees and wildflowers getting ready to bloom. The site is made up of a mosaic of different habitats from the wild lower Marshlands to the higher grasslands and young developing woodland. The Parkland is classed as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and also has historic significance with a Grade II* listing from Historic England.

The Parkland has largely been left unmanaged since the estate was sold in 1969 with little work been done and so it now feels a bit neglected and quite wild. We plan to carry out a number of habitat improvements to enhance the site for wildlife and improve the experience for its visitors. 

Nuthatch (photo by Neil Aldridge)

 

 

We are busy getting to know the Parkland and would love to hear from you. We want to know what wildlife you see here.

Do you regularly admire the birds? Have you seen any owls?

Caught a glimpse of a fox or badger? We would love to know!

Please get in touch and send us your stories and pictures.

 

 

Do you remember what the Parkland used to be like in the past?

Did you play here as a child or have your grandparents told you stories about the park?

Maybe they would go hunting for horse chestnuts or picnics on the grassland?

Do they remember what the Avenue of Trees looked like before it became wild? Or have stories about the ponds?

 

 

 

I look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Email us at : CastleBromParklandInfo@gmail.com

 

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]]> https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2021/03/30/getting-to-know-the-parkland/feed/ 0 How many species on your doorstep? https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2020/05/22/how-many-species-on-your-doorstep/ https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/2020/05/22/how-many-species-on-your-doorstep/#respond Fri, 22 May 2020 14:51:15 +0000 https://www.castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk/?p=6538 Have you been using the inaturalist wildlife spotting app on your walks out and about Castle Bromwich and surrounds? The On your Doorstep project run by our friends over in…

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]]> Have you been using the inaturalist wildlife spotting app on your walks out and about Castle Bromwich and surrounds?

The On your Doorstep project run by our friends over in B37 has so far gathered 212 different species of plants, insects, animals and birds….

Our Gardener on site has been participating too – although most of the rest of the staff are working from home..

She reports that there are great tits nesting by our office… we often have a nesting pair in the tall pole of our security cameras… I wonder if they’re there this year?

The On Your Doorstep project goes on for another week – and the app continues after that too.  Do download the free app and use it to report your sitings however modest and ordinary – the more we know about all the wildlife around us, the better we will be able to protect it and enjoy it together.

 

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