| This group is less formalised
that the other sub-committees and was set up due to the increasing
focus on parks and open spaces in Birmingham. In 2005 the Birmingham
Open Spaces Forum was set up and as the Society had contributed
to the creation and layout of many of Birmingham's parks in the early
part of the twentieth century it was felt appropriate that a specialist
group was set up.
The group has been involved in the city-wide consultation concerning
parks strategy and also the use and preservation of playing fields.
More recently the Society has been involved in the Street Tree Scrutiny
Review which resulted in the launch of Trees for Birmingham in April
2006. The Society has entered into a partnership with the City Council
and Trees for Cities to increase Birmingham's street trees to 100,000
by 2010.
As regards the history of the Society in parks and open spaces,
these are listed below:
Lickey Hills
A Guide to the Lickey Hill was produced in 1919
Daffodil Park, Northfield
In February 1920 ten acres of meadowland were purchased and gifted
to the city provided that the Society was consulted in an re-planning
of the meadows
Kings
Norton Park
In October 1920 25½ acres of land at Kings Norton were purchased
and afterwards presented to the city. The Society also designed
and paid for the formal gardens, gates on the Pershore Road side
and concrete benches.
Sutton Park
Following the success of the Lickey Hill Guide the Society published
another guide in 1922, this time covering Sutton Park.
Cannon Hill Park
Redesigned the park entrance in Pebblemill Road towards Queen's
Ride to include lawns, yew hedges and herbaceous borders. The Societry
also designed the bridge that spans the River Rea near the MAC.
Highbury
Park
In 1923 the Society purchased 42 acres of land known as the Henburys
and gifted it to the city, which doubled the size of what we know
today as Highbury Park.
Muntz
Park
In 1923 the society re-designed tha area of the park known as the
Dell and paid £300 towards the cost.
Aston Park
The formal beds were re-designed by the society to include a new
east forecourt and central avenue with the extension and revision
of the gardens completed by 1926.
The parapet wall of the western gardens was rebult to include steps
and Portland stone urns designed and paid for by the Society were
in place by 1927. To crown the scheme a fountain depicting the greek
god of Shepherds and pastures, Pan, designed by William Bloye was
unveiled on 26th May 1934 by Sir Gilbert Barling, bart.
Chamberlain Park, Ladywood
Design and layout of the park in 1923.
Perry Hall Park, Perry Barr
Preparation and execution of a design for a new entrance and moat
garden in 1930.
Other links of interest:
River
Rea Heritage Trail
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