The 'Pest of Britich' Knitted Garden

Perry Common Natural World sponsored the Creative Moments group to create a knitted garden which went on display at this years Gardners World BBC Liver Event at the NEC.  Over 6,000 hours worth of knitting went into making the plants, pests and garden allies for this project.

The Heart of Erdington Community Games Event.

The Heart of Erdington Community Games took place on Friday 29^th and Saturday 30^th June 2012.  Inspired by and in celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the event was held along the green link that joins together the following three areas:

• Perry Common Recreation Ground
• Witton Lakes
• Brookvale Park

The event was part of the Community Games programme across the West Midlands.  It was organised by Friends of Perry Common, Friends of Witton Lakes and Friends of Brookvale Park.  Funding came from Perry Common Natural World Project, Community Chest, Police, Glendales, Lovells and Street Games.

On Friday 29^th pupils from North Birmingham Academy, Storeywood J& I and Wilson Stuart Schools, walked in procession to Witton Lakes Community Orchard, carrying a torch and flags from the countries they had chosen to represent.  Jack Dromey MP officially opened the games and unveiled a new picnic bench.  Pupils were then able to take part in numerous activities including Kayaking and canoeing.  

On Saturday 30^th the event was open to the wider community.  There were opportunities for residents of all ages to join activities for FREE, these included Zumba, ice skating, archery, football, athletics, sumo wrestling and rugby delivered by Aston Old Edwardians.

Local MP Jack Dromey said 'As Birmingham and Britain celebrate the Olympics in our country, the Heart of Erdington Community Games will showcase our young people's talent, the next generation of Olympiads for whom nothing is impossible. The community organisations who have come together to stage the Erdington Games are to be congratulated for their initiative'.

Cllr Penny Holbrook, Chair of the Erdington Constituency Committee, said "I am delighted that Erdington is set to enjoy the community games, it is important that everyone gets to take part in the Olympics and celebrate the fantastic communities that exist in Erdington.  So much work has put into this event by volunteers it will be a fantastic to days and I can't wait to join the events in Witton Lakes, Perry Common and Brookvale Park."

We hope residents discovered many new interests and talents that they may wish to pursue in future.   Most of all we hope everyone enjoyed a really good family day out.

'The Kintted garden at the NEC 13th - 17th June'

The Heart of Erdington Community Games

Stinger Removal

Would you like to take part in helping to remove the stingers from the Community Orchard at Witton Lakes?

If so, please join us on Saturday 1st October 2011, 10.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.

Mace Head

You may remember in the not too distant past a Mace Head of local historical value was discovered on Perry Common Recreational Ground.  The Mace Head is now on display in Nechells Museum, Dollman Street, Nechells.

Friends of Perry Common enjoyed a guided tour of Nechells Mueseum on Thursday 24th August 2011.  They learnt that the Macehead was from the late Mesolithic period between 6000BC and 4000BC although probably nearer 4000BC (therefore, 6000 - 8000 years old).

If anyone else would like to view the Mace Head, please contact Nechells Museum.

Perry Common Natural World

Welcome to the blog of The Natural World Project in Perry Common. To find out more about us and what we do, please have a look at the 'about us' section.
In these posts we will tell you about what we're up to and feedback on the events and activities we have organised.
If you would like to know any more about the project itself or any of the activites then please call Chris Poole on 382-1930.

What's up & coming........
* We are in the process of organising a Perry Common Olympics 2012 and will keep you updated on this initiative.


* Strikes football session will be starting on Perry Common Recreation Ground in August 2012 – more information to follow


 What we've been up to so far......
* The project aims to increase biodiversity, protect wildlife and create new habitats. 12 people took part in a Bat & Moth Watching session at Witton Lakes on Tuesday 31st May 2011, led by Stephan Bodnar.


* We had our first big successful event in May ‘Spring into Spring’ brought approx 500 people out onto ‘The Ring’. Fun day with health messages, Health Exchange were present to carry out health checks. See the photos in our gallery

* We joined forces with Waterside Care Project (sponsored by Severn Trent) in June to carry out clean up of Hawthorne Brook.


* Kingsfest (Sat 16 July) was a ward wide arts event, co-ordinated by Shaki Mcfarland. As part of this event WLCA & Natural world organised “Woolly Bully & Tree Dressing Urban Art Project”. Hunt Emerson of the “Beano” was also creating and signing sketches. See the photos in our gallery

* Balsalm Bashing at Witton Lakes will be taking place on Monday 25th July 2011, 3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. Please contact Chris Poole or Linda Hines on 382 – 1930 if you would like to take part.


* Volunteering opportunities are being created and the Friends of Perry Common Management Committee has been set up to continue this valuable work at the end of the three year programme.
If you are interested in joining then please give Chris a call on 382-1930