#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
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HEADPHONESFionn Regan20 hours ago
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FarewellFionn Regan20 hours ago
Anja IIFionn Regan20 hours ago
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Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Sue on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full…
Category Archives: Wildlife
Everything was magic but the weather…
I have to congratulate the people who worked so hard on Brownhills Christmas Market Magic 2015 – although I couldn’t make it this year, I’ve been hearing lots of good stuff about it – my best wishes to Diane and the team for a great thing.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 12 December, 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, David Evans, Diane Mansell, Festivity, Ice Rink, Market, photos, pictures, Ravens Court, Santa Special, Shop Local, Shop smart, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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2015 Lantern Parade and Christmas Fayre at Chasewater this Sunday evening!
There’s a further chance to get into the Christmas spirit this Sunday evening (Sunday 13th December 2015) – there’s the Annual Burntwood Lantern Parade and a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre from 4:00 to 6:30pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 13 December, 2015, Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
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Chasewater Rangers Rant Autumn 2015
Following the popularity of the previous issues, I’m posting here the Chasewater Rangers Rant newsletter for Autumn 2015, and it’s rather good, I have to say – paper copies are available free from the Innovation Centre.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Autumn, boating lake, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, pond, pool, Rangers, Rangers Rant, Rant, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Spring, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
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The Friends of Brownhills Common – November meeting tonight
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm this Monday evening 9th November 2015 of the Freinds of Brownhills Common group at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 9th November, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, Events, forestry, Freinds, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Management, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
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The warmth of the sun
Today, I made a decision – it’s been a hard couple of weeks at work, and yesterday was a gorgeous ride into Lichfield, so when I saw the wonderful weather I decided to abandon the stuff I’d planned today, and went up on the Chase for a blast in the unseasonably warm weather.
The Lichfield & Hatherton need your vote!
Christine Howles from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has contacted me to tell me she’s after your vote – no, she’s not standing for election, but the Trust is applying for a community grant and could really do with readers voting for them in the next week or so.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, AGM, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Community grant, Derelict, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Narrowboat, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter, vote
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A true friend of Walsall
It is with great sadness that I share with readers the passing of a true friend, not just of the blog, but of our borough – Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones, who passed away as Aldridge Court Nursing Home on Friday 25th September 2015, after suffering Motor Neurones Disease for some time.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, @ziksby, Brownhills local history, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Malvern, Motor Neurones, passed away, Roger Jones, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council
3 Comments
Still strolling
For some time now I’ve been promoting the brilliant parent and toddler walking and social group that takes place weekly at Chasewater – Chasewater Strollers, who continue to grow in number and last week got back to normal business at St. Anne’s in Chasetown.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 16th November, 2014, appeal, Brownhills, buggy, Chasetown, Chasewater, Chasewater Strollers, dad, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, forest, Lichfield, Mondays, mum, musicians, new venue, parents, playgroup, Reservoir, St. Anne's, Staffordshire, Stroll this way to tots play, Strollers, Things to do, toddler, walking, walking group, Walsall, Walsall Symphony Orchestra, Wildlife
2 Comments
Pictures from the 2015 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering
Today (20th September 2015) I got chance to go to the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust’s Heritage Gathering at Huddlesford, near Whittington.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 20 September, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, photos, pictures, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Heritage Gathering this weekend!
It’s a big weekend for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust who are staging their Heritage Gathering which takes place this Saturday and Sunday (18-19th September 2015) at their canalside Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 18 August, 19 August, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
2 Comments
Stuck in a rut – ain’t no place for a hound dog
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area that the deer population are getting amorous – it’s rutting time for our large brown friends, and that means one thing: the heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and Chasewater in particular are likely to be host to rather grumpy, aggressive stags guarding their female harems.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
1 Comment
The Friends of Brownhills Common – September meeting this Monday evening
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm this Monday evening 14th September 2015 of the Freinds of Brownhills Common group at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 14th September, 2015, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, Events, forestry, Freinds, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Management, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
3 Comments
Hog in the limelight
West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue have an open day planned at The White Horse Pub, Cheslyn Hay this afternoon, Saturday, 5th September 2015 from 12 noon until 4pm.
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 5 September, Cellie, Cheslyn Hay, day, Events, Facebook, fun, fundraiser, Lichfield, New Photos, open, Pubs, Staffordshire, The White Horse, Things to do, West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue
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Flytipping morons strike again
I’m sad to say hotspots in Brownhills and Aldridge – as well as across the area – are still being blighted by flytippers, often clearly working on a commercial scale – flytipping is a public menace, harms the environment, can be a danger to people and wildlife and costs a lot of money to clean up.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 4 September, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Cheap tat, Coppice Lane, Councillor, Fly tipping, flytipping, Holland Park, Lay By, Local politics, metal theft, Operation Steel, Politics, Scrap, scrap metal, Silly, Steve Wade, Street pride, tat men, tat trade, trading standards, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, waste transfer
6 Comments
One little Spark is all it takes…
In the current economic and political climate, good news on public and community services is thin on the ground – so I was very happy to receive news of a wonderful followup to story I featured early this year.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged activities centre, Brownhills Children's Centre, Brurtwood, BTC, buggy, Burntwood, campaign, Chasewater, childrens, Closure, community, dad, Ed, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, meeting, Mondays, mum, New Photos, parents, Petition, Spark, Staffordshire, Start, Steve Lightfoot, Strollers, Sue Woodward, Things to do, toddler, Town Council, walking, walking group, Wildlife
1 Comment
Heritage Gathering coming soon!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust have been in contact to let me know about their Heritage Gathering which is coming up over the weekend of 18-19th September 2015, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 18 August, 19 August, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Local canal restoration project targeted by raiders – can you help?
Sad news from the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust who have had some of their equipment stolen following a break-in to their compound last Friday night (14th August 2015).
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 14 August, 2015, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burglary, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Cycle rides, cycling, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, planning, Police, project, renovation, Robbery, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
Flytipping scum plaguing Brownhills
Brownhills Councillor Steve Wade has been in touch recently on a number of local issues, and I’m very glad to see him developing an online presence and keeping us informed of stuff he’s dealing with – and I’m very grateful for the positive moves he’s made to communicate with me and the blog – there’s more to come from Steve later this week.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills common, Cheap tat, Coppice Lane, Councillor, Fly tipping, flytipping, Holland Park, Lay By, Local politics, metal theft, Operation Steel, Politics, Scrap, scrap metal, Silly, Steve Wade, Street pride, tat men, tat trade, trading standards, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, waste transfer
4 Comments
Lichfield Canal Summerhill Guided Walk – this evening
This evening (Wednesday, 15th July 2015), there’s a guided walk being held by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust along the Summerhill section, and it’s open to all who might want to go and see what they’re up to – Currently reopening the lost line to walkers between Barracks Lane, Ogley Hay and Summerhill, next to the Boat Pub.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 14 July, 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Our greenspaces are not for sale!
In the last couple of days there’s been a degree of what can only be described as panic locally and on social media about the future of Cannock Chase, Chasewater and other Staffordshire Country Parks.
Posted in Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Consultation, country parks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, For Sale, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, not, Panoramio, planning, Politics, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Statement, Things to do, Twitter, Vandalism, Wildlife
7 Comments
The Friends of Brownhills Common – June meeting tonight!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm tonight, Monday 8th June 2015 of the Freinds of Brownhills Common group at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 8th June, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, Events, forestry, Freinds, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Management, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Find out about the restoration of our lost canal tonight!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting tonight (Friday, 5th June 2015) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 5th June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
4 Comments
Restoring a canal – a new challenge
I always receive a really positive response when featuring articles by Christine Howles on behalf of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, which aim to support and assist this great local canal restoration project.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
7 Comments
Chasewater Rangers Rant Spring 2015
I’m doing this one following requests on social media – the Chasewater Rangers Rant newsletter for Spring 2015, and it’s rather good, I have to say – paper copies are available free from the Innovation Centre.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, boating lake, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, pond, pool, Rangers, Rangers Rant, Rant, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Spring, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
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The Friends of Brownhills Common – meeting next Monday
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm next Monday 20th April 2015 of the Freinds of Brownhills Common group at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 20th April, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, Events, forestry, Freinds, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Management, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Your chance to find out about our local deer…
I don’t know much about this one, but just a quick heads up: there’s a talk entitled ‘The Deer of South Staffordshire’ on at Chasewater Innovation Centre at 11:00am tomorrow morning, Wednesday 15th April 2015.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 15 April, 2015, Brownhills common, Chasewater, Chasewater SSSI, Deer, Events, Heathland, Innovation centre, Lichfield, Local History, Management, Natural England, Ranger Rob, Red deer, Talk, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall
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Brock and roll
This isn’t very pleasant, so I’ll be short and to the point – people, we have a burgeoning badger population at the moment as these guys come in from the fringes of local countryside into town, just as their brothers the foxes have done, and unfortunately they’re dying in large numbers on our roads.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Accident, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Clayhanger, Common, Deer Safety partnership, Fatality, Lichfield, Local Committee, Mervyn Smith, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, road safety, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
1 Comment
New road safety initiative for Brownhills
You all know that I love local wildlife – and that I’m particularly fond of the local deer population, who have sadly been involved in many accidents with vehicles in recent years on roads around our commons, countryside and open spaces.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Accident, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Clayhanger, Common, Deer Safety partnership, Fatality, Lichfield, Local Committee, Mervyn Smith, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, road safety, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
21 Comments
It’s all about roots and wings
Here’s a really nice thing that caught my attention yesterday – fellow local blogger for Clayhanger Marsh and hero of mine (whose mail I must get around to answering, sorry) Chaz Mason has written something wonderful and very, very engaging.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Antisocial Birder, birding, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, history, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Marsh, mere, Politics, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Council, Wildlife
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Fantastic day
I haven’t done a ride photo post for ages, because to be honest, I haven’t rode much for pleasure this past winter – something I intend to correct now the year is opening out once more.
Restoring a canal – and looking after the environment
I’ve had a terrific response to featuring the post last week by Christine Howles of Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, which sought to put right my previous dearth of coverage on this great local canal restoration project.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
Rebuild it and they will come – a great post by Christine Howles
The following post was written by Christine Howles and posted on her blog las weekend, and I think it’s really well written, and the message it carries is important – I haven’t done nearly enough about the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, and I intend to correct that deficiency over the next few weeks.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
13 Comments
No more sitting on the fence
I’m reblogging this from the wonderful Chaz Mason, who I’m sure won’t thank me for doing so – although this is important, and needs to be said, so down the hatch…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Antisocial Birder, birding, Brownhills, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh Log, cut, escape, fence, Horses, local blogs, Local Wildlife, loose, planning, Redevelopment, Riding stables, Ryders Hayes, Ryders Mere, Silly, SSSI, Stevie Ansell, Vandalism, Wildlife
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Great news! Burntwood’s Children’s Centres saved for now
Here’s a really positive followup (and what looks at the moment to be a blog exclusive) to a story I featured a couple of weeks ago, when Esther Allen of The Chasewater Strollers parent and toddler group contacted me to publicise their petition against the planned closure of both Burntwood Childrens Centres – otherwise known as ‘Surestart’.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged activities centre, Brownhills, Brownhills Children's Centre, buggy, Burntwood, campaign, Chasewater, childrens, Closure, dad, Ed, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, meeting, Mondays, mum, New Photos, parents, Petition, Staffordshire, Start, Strollers, Sue Woodward, Things to do, toddler, walking, walking group, Wildlife
3 Comments
An Urban Fox Hunt (Via The Reremouse)
This post is important, and was wholly written by Walsall Council Senior Wildlife Ranger Morgan Bowers (The Reremouse) – this is an issue of huge concern to me, and I repeat the post here as I think it will be a worry to all of us.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, destruction, Events, Facebook, Fibbersley, Fox, foxes, guns, killing, Lichfield, local blogs, Morgan Bowers, Nature Reserve, New Photos, shot, The Reremouse, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife, wildlife crime
1 Comment
Important – help save Burntwood’s Children’s Centres
Esther Allen of Chasewater Strollers and Councillor ‘Aunty Sue’ Woodward have been in touch over the weekend to let me know that they’re very worried about the future of the two Children’s centres in Burntwood, and have launched a campaign and petition to keep them open.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged activities centre, Brownhills, Brownhills Children's Centre, buggy, Burntwood, campaign, Chasewater, childrens, Closure, dad, Ed, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, meeting, Mondays, mum, New Photos, parents, Petition, Staffordshire, Start, Strollers, Sue Woodward, Things to do, toddler, walking, walking group, Wildlife
2 Comments
Chasewater Countryside Events and Guided Walks 2015 – details available here
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
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1095 days
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, 1095 days, 2015, 3, anniversay, biking, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, New Photos, photography, riding, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, years
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Home on the range
Here’s a quick one I’ve been meaning to post up for a couple of weeks – the Chasewater Rangers now have a newsletter, and it’s rather good, I have to say – it’s available free from the Innovation Centre. 
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged boating lake, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, pond, pool, Rangers, Rant, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
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Dropping off the edge
Here’s one for Trevor in Aus and all the folks who enjoy the ride cams. I’ve been meaning to do this one all week, and today’s postings fell victim to the festivities, so this is as good a chance as any, really.
Posted in Cannock Chase, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged bike, Breretonhill, Cam, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Farewell, GoPro, green, Hill, Red Hill, ride, Rugeley, Staffordshire, Stoneywell, Things to do, Upper Longdon
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Geared up for Christmas
I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers, contributors, commenters and supporters of the Brownhills Blog and it’s associated side projects a very merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy, prosperous and peaceful 2015.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Burntwood Lantern Parade and Christmas Fayre at Chasewater this evening!
Here’s a further chance to get into the Christmas spirit this evening (Sunday 14th December 2014) – there’s the Annual Burntwood Lantern Parade and a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2014, 5pm, Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, December 14th, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
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The magic of Christmas
I have to congratulate the people who worked so hard on Brownhills Christmas Market – I went yesterday, and it was a joy to see Brownhills so busy once more – considering the majority involved were volunteers and on a tight budget, this was an excellent event and I thank you all for your hard work.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 14th december 2014, 2014, Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Brownhills Christmas Windows, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Cradle Club, Craft Club, David Evans, Donkeys, Festivity, Ice Rink, Market, Nicky Rolls, photos, pictures, Ravens Court, Santa Special, Shop Local, Shop smart, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Sandhills quarry consultation – get your objection in quickly
Heads up folks – here’s one I overlooked, but there’s still time to act as responses to the Sandhills Quarry inclusion in the Staffordshire New Minerals Local Plan closes on Friday 5th December 2014 – but it’s easy to respond online, and you can do it right now.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2014, Brownhills, County Council, expansion, extraction, Hays, Hints, Hopwas, Lichfield, Local politics, mineral, Minerals Local Plan, planning, Politics, quarry, Redevelopment, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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The lost Howdles Lane dam
In a remarkable instance of coincidence, last Friday, reader and top local history ferret Andy Dennis sent me an astounding piece on a lost reservoir near Howdles Lane, in north Brownhills, between Chasewater and the Watling Street.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Shared memories, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Brook, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Crane Brook, cycling, Dam, Dam burst, Events, Gerald Reece, Howdles Lane, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lost, New Photos, Ogley Locks, Old maps, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Yates map
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Stroll this way to tots play – this morning!
For some time now I’ve been promoting the brilliant parent and toddler walking and social group that takes place weekly at Chasewater – Chasewater Strollers, who continue to grow in number and recently made an appeal for toys and equipment to set up a playgroup.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 16th November, 2014, appeal, Arts Centre, Brownhills, buggy, Chasetown, Chasewater, dad, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, forest, Lichfield, Mondays, mum, musicians, new venue, parents, playgroup, Reservoir, St. Anne's, Staffordshire, Stroll this way to tots play, Strollers, Things to do, toddler, walking, walking group, Walsall, Walsall Symphony Orchestra, Wildlife
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Urgent – Harris Hawk lost in Burntwood
I have no idea what to make of this – lost raptors are a new one for the blog, but never a dull moment – just has this report of a lost Harris Hawk in from Jim Mason of Burntwood:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged 2014, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Harris Hawk, Jim Mason, Lichfield, Lost, raptor, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
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Strolling players!
For some time now I’ve been promoting the brilliant parent and toddler walking and social group that takes place weekly at Chasewater – Chasewater Strollers, who continue to grow in number and recently made an appeal for toys and equipment to set up a playgroup.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged appeal, Arts Centre, Brownhills, buggy, Chasetown, Chasewater, dad, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, forest, Lichfield, Mondays, mum, musicians, new venue, parents, playgroup, Reservoir, St. Anne's, Staffordshire, Strollers, Things to do, toddler, walking, walking group, Walsall, Walsall Symphony Orchestra, Wildlife
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Pumping clear water
This is remarkable – I’m just going to leave it here for those among us interested in Chasewater, and the arrangements with the steam pump that used to return water from Anglesey Basin into the reservoir.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Postcard, Reservoir, Ruth Penrhyn Lowe, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
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Stepping out – can you help Chasewater Strollers grow?
You folks will probably remember that I’m very keen on plugging a parent and toddler walking and social group that takes place weekly at Chasewater – Chasewater Strollers – who meet every Monday morning at 9:30am at the Innovation Centre.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged appeal, Brownhills, Burnell, Chasewater, dad, Ed, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, Maria, Mondays, mum, New Photos, parents, playgroup, Reservoir, Rose, Staffordshire, Strollers, Things to do, toddlerbuggy, walking, walking group, Wildlife
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