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Category Archives: Wildlife
Fall guy
Autumn is now in it’s beautiful phase. Colours are bright and golden, frost has begun to dust the lanes, gardens and hedges in the morning. A low sun paints foliage orange and bronze. Continue reading
Engine Lane mischief afoot?
I notice today from Warren Parry’s excellent Ogley Dirt Farmer blog that somebody has blocked the public right of way from Engine Lane, Brownhills onto the off-road section of National Cycle Route 5 towards the canal on the old mineral line. This is a worrying development. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged bike path, Brownhills, Cattle, Cycle rides, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, Facebook, local blogs, NCN 5, New Photos, obstruction, Ogley Dirt Farmer, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Warren Parry
19 Comments
Canal trust?
Here’s an interesting one from fellow Brownhills historian David Hodgkinson. David has been musing on the fate of a piece of public art erected at Catshill Junction as part of the canal towpath renovations a few years ago. I must … Continue reading
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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Art, British Waterways, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and Rivers Trust, Catshill Junction, Cheap tat, Cycle of Life, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Events, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Redevelopment, sculpture, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Paint the whole world…
Readers who’ve been following my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal will be aware that, of late, I’ve been feeling a little disheartened by the absence of summer and the impending autumn and winter. I get this seasonal sadness at this time every … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Uncategorized, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Hammerwhich, New Photos, Panoramio, Rainbow, Staffordshire, weather, Wildlife
3 Comments
Get some work done on the bog
The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in their particular protected habitat, and are holding their May event this Sunday, 16th September, at 10:00am. I was contacted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, Linda Florence, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Rob Davies, Staffordshire, Steve Archer, Wildlife, work party, Working parties
1 Comment
The remains of the day
Another ride video for the exiles in far away parts. The sunset last night was amazing, and to be out around Stonnall in it was just magical. This is a journey down Main Street, up through Thornes, Gravelley Lane to … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Autumn, bike cam, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, Gravelley Lane, Hawkwind, Hurry on Sundown, Lower Stonnall, Main Street, Mill Lane, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Sundown, Sunset, Thornes
4 Comments
Recovered history
The aerial image of Chasewater I posted on Thursday evening really has spurred on some creative consideration of the park’s history. I’ve been surprised and delighted by the memories and theories that have emerged relating to the stunning image, taken … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, 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 24 hour race, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Events, J Donaldson, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Nigel Mansell, Norton Pool, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, speedboat, Staffordshire, steamboat, Wildlife
18 Comments
Happy trails
Here’s another peak district ride video for Trevor in Australia, again recorded last Friday. This one is of the section of High Peak Trail from around Longcliffe to Parsley Hay Station, then back down the Tissington Trail to Tissington. This time … Continue reading
Going downhill fast…
Having some technical issues today, hopefully normal service will be resumed tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s a couple of videos I made from Friday’s ride. I’ve made these especially for reader Trev in Australia, who I hear is a bit … Continue reading
Flying the bog standard!
The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in their particular protected habitat, and are holding their May event this Sunday, 11th August, at 10:00am. I was contacted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, Linda Florence, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Rob Davies, Staffordshire, Steve Archer, Wildlife, work party, Working parties
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Chasewater road closure – get your voice heard
Here’s a rather important one I missed. A couple of days ago, top chap Andy Dennis sent me the below photo, of the legal Traffic Prohibition Order posted on site at Pool Lane, Chasewater. You’ll remember that there’s been some … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fishing, Local politics, New Photos, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Road Traffic Regulation, roadblock, Silly, Site Notice, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
7 Comments
Bogged down?
The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in their particular protected habitat, and are holding their May event this Sunday, 17th June, at 10:00am. I was contacted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, Linda Florence, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Rob Davies, Staffordshire, Steve Archer, Wildlife, work party, Working parties
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Chasewater: The whining continues
I note from local news services including Licfield Live, the Express and Star and local free sheets that local councillors in Chasewtown and Burntwood are still attempting to make lame political points out of the closure of the dam road … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, fishing, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, roadblock, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
14 Comments
Follow my drift?
I’ve had some interesting contributions on the subject of Anglesey Wharf and the drift shaft there. Both Andy Dennis and Chasewater Wildlife Group’s Graham Evans have added hugely to the debate with the following information. My apologies to both Andy … Continue reading
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, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, Anglesey Basin, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Cannock Chase No 2 pit, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Derelict, drift shaft, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
16 Comments
On the conveyor?
I picked up a really good map recently. It’s a 1:2,500 plot of eastern Chasewater, the Anglesey Basin and Wharf, and the area of south Chasetown and The Triangle. It’s from 1962, and has a tad more information on it … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Coal Mining, Conveyor, Cycle rides, Derelict, Local History, Narrowboats, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
10 Comments
Road to nowhere
In a week when our local rag is trying to convince us that it’s still indispensable and the most trusted source for news in the area, this fine example of the local newshound’s art caught my eye. Yet again, the … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, GR Thompson, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
1 Comment
Wet noses and Waggy Tails
I’ve been sent this press release by Lichfield District Council about a fun looking event this Sunday for dog owners and canine aficionados of all kinds. I’m unsure of the wisdom of holding a ‘Prettiest Bitch’ competition in such close … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Awareness, Brownhills, Canine, Chasewater, Dog Show, Events, LDC, Lichfield District Council, New Photos, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Toto, Waggy Tails, Wet Noses, Wildlife
1 Comment
Velvet green
Although it’s been quite windy and cool of late, there have been some lovely, sunny days. On both Saturday and Sunday last, I managed to get in some excellent bike rides in around south Staffordshire. As usual, the GoPro camera … Continue reading
Plover drive
This is an important request from Graham Evans and Chasewater Wildlife Group. Conservationists and birders are very concerned at the moment about the safety of a delicate little ground-nesting bird that’s taken residence at Chasewater. Little Ringed Plovers are quite … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged birding, birs, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, Little Ringed Plover, local blogs, rare birds, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Warning Signs, Wildlife
3 Comments
Get down to it in the bog
The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in their particular protected habitat, and are holding their May event this Sunday, 13th May, at 10:00am. I was contacted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, Linda Florence, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Rob Davies, Staffordshire, Steve Archer, Wildlife, work party, Working parties
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Some days catch the light like diamonds
It’s been an odd spring. After the warmth and almost summer-like weather of March, April was a cool, wet disappointment. Spring has sneaked in under the wire, everything gently inching ahead, afraid to make itself noticed. Nature is holding it’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Castle Ring, Chase Teraace, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Engine, Fallow, Hayfield Hill, Locomotive, Longdon, New Photos, Oilseed Rape, Panoramio, Penkridge Bank, Ramsons, Rifle Range Corner, Rugeley, Rugeley Power Station, Sailing, Staffordshire, Stonywell, Tadpoles, Trent Aqueduct, Wild Garlic, Wildlife
9 Comments
And here is the moos…
The cattle at Chasewater, introduced to manage the north heath, are great. They are really beginning to feel at home now, including harassing cyclists. This one attempted to eat my tyre and disc brake. Nothing to do but wait until … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, cows, Cycle rides, cycling, north heath, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Clear waters rising
The water level at Chasewater – as well as other questions – continues to fascinate. It seems I’m not the only one gazing on the waterfront – there’s another contender, top reader Andy Dennis. Following my musings last weekend on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, bad weather, Boat, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, deluge, drought, Lichfield District Council, New Photos, Rain, refill, refilled, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, storm, Twitter, water shortage, Wildlife
3 Comments
Where have all the flowers gone?
I know i’ve covered this on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal, but this issue deserves as wide an audience as possible. On my way through Shelfield this morning, I noticed that Walsall Council had been mowing the grass verges along the … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged blind, Cycle rides, cycling, daffodils, destroyed, grass cut, greepspace, Mow, mown, New Photos, Panoramio, Shelfield, Silly, Vandalism, verge, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
11 Comments
Rain dances
This evening, like yesterday evening, I visited Chasewater. The day’s rain had ceased. I noted yesterday on my 365daysofbiking journal that I think the water level has increased about 500mm in the last week, and I was interested to see … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged bad weather, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, deluge, drought, Express & Star, New Photos, Peter Rhodes, Rain, refill, refilled, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, storm, Twitter, water shortage, Wildlife
14 Comments
Are they listening?
I note with interest that someone appears to be listening down at Chasewater. Earlier in the month, I complained about the new anti-vehicle barrier erected on the dam road to prevent cars pulling down into the canal basin and Nine-Foot … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, New Photos, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire
5 Comments
A sense of entitlement, much?
After the miasma of all the official ‘Dam works are complete, it’s good news week’ press releases, I was wryly amused to spot this letter in the Lichfield Mercury this week. the dust has barely settled on the Chasewater dam … Continue reading
Culvert investigations
Before I start, I’d like to point out that this investigation was conducted by two people – myself and [Howmuch?]. We are both sensible (well, usually) adults and have experience of, and training for, confined spaces. Entering such environments – … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared memories, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dave Fellows, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Reservoir, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
25 Comments
Bog standard
The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in their particular protected habitat, and are holding their April event this Sunday, 15th April, at 10:00am. I was contacted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, Linda Florence, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Rob Davies, Staffordshire, Steve Archer, Wildlife, work party, Working parties
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Reports of his death have been grossly exaggerated…
People who’ve been with this blog from the beginning will no doubt recall the terrapin, presumably a dumped pet, that lived around the Nine-Foot pool in the days before the Chasewater Dam Works. Often drawing a crowd when he came … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Graham Evans, nine foot, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, terrapin, Wildlife
4 Comments
Chasewater: The Good, the bad, and the frankly insane
Hang out the flags, deck the halls, light the beacons. Those damn works are complete, and the contractors appointed to upgrade the dam at Chasewater have left the building, and everything has now returned to normal. Normal, that is, apart … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Access, Bad maintenance, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, Cycle trail, cycling, Dam works, Galliford Try, John Smith, local blogs, Local politics, Neil Turner, New Photos, planning, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
6 Comments
Don’t let go – the menace of ballon releases and chinese lanterns
As predicted, the wonderful Morgan Bowers – Senior Countryside Ranger for Walsall Council – has really smashed this blogging thing. The dust has barely settled from setting the blog up, and Morgan is already writing hard-hitting, controversial posts and giving … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Balloon Race, balloon release, bird life, birds, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, chinese lantern, killer, litter, Margan Bowers, pollution, RSPB, threat, walsall Wildlife
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I see the idiots are out again
It seems a bit moot now, but bear in mind when the cold snap ends, the commons and heaths will still be tinderbox-dry underneath. I noticed that this winter, the grass fires continued right through the season. Please, if you … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Common, Express & Star, Fire, Grass fire, grassfire, heath, Vandalism, Wildlife
1 Comment
The white heat of technology
Top local history ferret Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, is on outstanding form right now. Not only is he an ace Panoramian, he’s also thrown himself into researching the history of mining in Brownhills with some degree of gusto, and it’s much … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 1860, 1893, Aution, Birmingham Gazette, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Brownhlls coal mines, Coppice Pit, Derelict, Engine, Engine Lane, local blogs, Local History, Marklew, Marklew's Pond, mining in brownhills, New Photos, Parkes, Pigot directory, Pump, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Staffordshire Advertiser, Steam pump, Tamworth Herald, West Colliery
13 Comments
Chasewater Transport Show: Last year in Brownhills?
Worrying news reaches me about the current management of Chasewater as an events venue. Helen Borton, organiser of the brilliant, and very well attended annual Chasewater Transport Show has contacted me expressing concern over what seems to be a very … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Transport Show 2012, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, classic lorries, Dispute, DIstrict Council, Grass, Helen Borton, Highfields, jobsworth, John Smith, Kevin Yates, Lichfield, Military vehicle show, Mow, New Photos, overspill, Parking, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Steam engines, uncooperative, Vintage Cars
12 Comments
Perrie goes large!
I couldn’t make it to Peregrine Watch in Walsall yesterday, sadly – I would have liked to attend, but work commitments prevented it. My sadness at missing the fun, however, has been somewhat alleviated by the excellent pictures and video that … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged biodiversity, bird of prey, Birdwatching, Facebook, Kestrel, Kevin CLemments, local blogs, Morgan Bowers, Peregrine Watch, Peregrinewatch, Pergrines, Perigrine Falcon, raptor, urban birdlife, Urban raptors, Urban wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Town Centre, Wildlife
3 Comments
Peregrine Watch is back today!
Today, Friday 30th March 2011, the hugely successful Peregrinewatch event will be back in Walsall, with events kicking off outside the Central Library in Lichfield Street, and at the New Art Gallery, in Gallery Square. Walsall’s resident peregrines have become … Continue reading
Posted in 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 Council, Wildlife
Tagged biodiversity, bird of prey, Birdwatching, Facebook, Kestrel, Kevin CLemments, local blogs, Morgan Bowers, Peregrine Watch, Peregrinewatch, Pergrines, Perigrine Falcon, raptor, urban birdlife, Urban raptors, Urban wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Town Centre, Wildlife
2 Comments
Up hill and down dale
There have been some requests recently for more of my cycling videos. I’m not quite sure why folks seem to like them so much, but there’s definitely an interest in the places I ride. So this year, I thought I’d … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged A6, bike cam, Chee Dale, Cromford, Cycle rides, cycling, Derby, Derbyshire, Five Wells, Gotham, High Peak trail, Minnninglow, Monsall Trail, Peak District, Penine Bridleway, ride report, Tissington Trail, Topley Pike, Wye Dale
4 Comments
Some folk want shooting
Wildlife lover and friend of the Brownhills Blog Sarah Brooks has been in touch and asked me to feature this grizzly and shocking find on the blog. I’m glad to do so, as the mindless, destructive scum who shoot wildlife … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Aldridge, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, gunshot, hunting, New Photos, Police, RSPB, Sarah Brookes, shooting, shot, Snipe, Twitter, Vandalism, Wildlife
2 Comments
It’s time to commune with nature…
After previous successful events, the Friends of Norton Bog are holding another of their scheduled work parties this Sunday. The Friends of Norton Bog – the area of wetland lying northeast of Chasewater – are taking a special interest in … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Rob Davies, Staffordshire, Wildlife, work party, Working parties
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Chasewater dam: a look around the remaining works
I’ve been trying to post this all week, but haven’t had the time up until now. Last Sunday (26th February, 2012), I visited Chasewater, and to my surprise, the security fence around the remaining dam works site, surrounding the Pool … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam works, dredging, Local politics, New Photos, nine foot, Panoramio, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Spillway, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Hurry on sundown
I noted a couple of weeks ago on my #365daysofbiking Tumblr journal that this was the time of year to expect great sunsets. There have been some wonderful ones of late, but yesterday’s was spectacular, and by a twist of … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Aldershawe, Cycle rides, cycling, landscape, Lichfield, New Photos, Panoramio, photos, Staffordshire, Sundown, Sunset, sunset pictures, Wall, Wildlife
4 Comments
I think the engine’s flooded, mate!
Following David Dalley’s kind tipoff, as soon as I could, I cycled over to Anglesey Basin to check out what was happing in person. It’s not often I get chance to do the roving reporter thing, and this looked interesting. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Anglesey Basin, Boat, Briotish Waterways, Brownhills, Canal, Capsize, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, David Dalley, Drain, Drain ed canal, Dredger, New Photos, recovery, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Sunk, Wildlife
1 Comment
The great Brownhills shipping disaster of 2012
Had some interesting pictures mailed to me yesterday by reader and friend of The Brownhills Blog David Dalley. They’re taken on the canal, near Chasewater at Anglesey Basin, where it seems British Waterways are experiencing a bit of an ‘Oh … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Anglesey Basin, Boat, Briotish Waterways, Brownhills, Canal, Capsize, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, David Dalley, Drain, Drain ed canal, Dredger, New Photos, recovery, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Sunk, Wildlife
6 Comments
Nothing concrete…
Chasewater Wildlife Group and it’s leading light, Graham Evans, have recently posted a brilliant piece on their news page. I was aware last week of the publicity binge Staffordshire and Lichfield Councils were undertaking on the subject of Chasewater, and … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Dam Blog, Chasewater Wildlife Group, concrete, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local politics, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
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Spring. There’s certainly something in the air.
Today, I set our for a short ride in the snow at 10:30am. Just a potter, things to do, you know how it is. I came back at 6pm. A nice 55 mile run through a chilly,lightly snow-dusted but sunny … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullmoor Lane, bunker, Canal, Church, Croxall, Croxall Hall, Cycle rides, cycling, Harlaston, Local History, Lower Stonnall, New Photos, Packington Moor, Panoramio, Potato Beds, ROC post, Smiths Mill, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Sunset, Wildlife
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Anyone want to buy an old ammunition dump?
Thanks to the eagle eye of fellow local blogger The Stymaster, I can share the following sale document with readers of the blog. It seems Linley Woods – longstanding subject of reader curiosity hereabouts – is up for sale. Clearly … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Aldridge, ammunition, bunker, Cheap tat, Derelict, Diving, dump, Linley caverns, linley Caves, Linley Wood, local blogs, Local History, Pigblog, planning, Redevelopment, sale, sale document., Silly, store, Stymaster, Wartime
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Want to know more about Chasewater?
I note from the news page of the excellent Chasewater Wildlife Group that this evening, Tuesday, 14th February 2011 at 7:00pm, Graham Evans will be giving a talk, ’The Natural History of Chasewater’ to Norton Canes Historical Society at Norton … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Graham Evans, Library, local blogs, Local History, Natural History, Norton Canes, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Talk, Wildlife
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