#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
EuphoriaFionn Regan15 hours ago
Wall of SilverFionn Regan15 hours ago
AiFionn Regan15 hours ago
Book of the MoonFionn Regan15 hours ago
Cape of DiamondsFionn Regan15 hours ago
Turn the Skies of Blue OnFionn Regan15 hours ago
Cormorant BirdFionn Regan15 hours ago
The Meetings Of The WatersFionn Regan16 hours ago
Under the Waves / TokyoFionn Regan16 hours ago
GlaciersFionn Regan16 hours agoRecent Comments
Kevin Wilford on Mount Zion Sunday School Anniv… chrisjimallen on Down the tubes bravelyd03ee3c14f on Celebrating a Jubilee? bravelyd03ee3c14f on Celebrating a Jubilee? Nathan on Raising damp
Tag Archives: Chasewater Wildlife Group
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
Under mined
Yesterday, in a post relating some recollections of the Chasewater modern overflow culvert, an anonymous correspondent suggested that the new system had been constructed in response to a serious subsidence issue near Anchor Bridge. In that post, I rather cheekily … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, 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
Tagged Anchor Bridge, Anglesey Branch, Brawns Wood, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, canal breach, Canal Leak, canal repair, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Lane's Farm, local blogs, Local History, Milfield School, New Photos, Old maps, Repair, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Subsidence
14 Comments
Don’t tell me mum!
In response to my drain adventure at Chasewater on Sunday, I had a very interesting email yesterday… Hi Bob Might be best if you don’t mention my name, my mom might be reading… 🙂 When I was a young bad … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Anchor Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Canal Leak, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dave Fellows, David Hodgkinson, Graham Evans, Lane's Farm, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Repair, Reservoir, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump
3 Comments
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
Leave a comment
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
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
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
3 Comments
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
Leave a comment
It’s time to get on the bog again
After a successful event in January, 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 … 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
1 Comment
Now it’s your turn to spend time on the bog…
Regular readers will know that I’ve not quite been at my glistening best recently, and I’ve spent, as a consequence, a long time studying the domestic plumbing arrangements. Now’s the opportunity for readers to get more familiar with their local … 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
Leave a comment
Oops, I nearly forgot…
I’ve been meaning to say for a few days now that for anyone visiting Chasewater at the moment, the eastern dam route has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists. This means that for the first time in 12 months, park users … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged boxing day, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam, Express & Star, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Reopening, Reservoir, sailing club, Staffordshire, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Down in the bog
Sorry for the patchy nature of the updates lately, I’m a bit busy with work and stuff at the moment, so please bear with me. Normal service will be resumed in a week or so. In the mean time, I … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
10 Comments
Chasewater in 1919: the mapping jigsaw
Continuing to fulfil Graham Evans’ request (and for that matter, to keep all the map geeks happy – I know you’re out there – over 600 downloads of the 1884 map alone last week) here’s a map of how Chasewater was around about … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 1919, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, Old maps, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
2 Comments
On the waterline
Further to Graham Evans’ request, here’s a map of how Chasewater was around the late Victorian era. There’s much that’s of note here – the shape of the lake, the pits and surrounding railways. Note also that Jeffrey’s Swag doesn’t … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, Old maps, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
2 Comments
Stuck in a rut
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 … Continue reading
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, G Richardson, local blogs, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
1 Comment
Down the chute
There is continuing interest and debate on the nature of the pump house and spillway at Chasewater. I’ve had some excellent contributions, and I must get up there soon to investigate some of them. My previous poke around was very … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, 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 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, Old maps, Reservoir, Spillway, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
2 Comments
Overflowing with ideas
The recent attention paid by Dave Fellows, Graham Evans and Andy Dnnis, amonst others, to the long lost steam powered pumping station at Chasewater has caused some curiosity and no small amount of debate, particularly between myself and top local … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, 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, Old maps, Reservoir, Spillway, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
13 Comments
Chasewater: Plugging away
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of days, you’ve probably noticed a host of stories about the ‘plug being put back in at Chasewater’ and a lot of self-congratulatory claptrap from the dam team, largely … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Express & Star, 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 BBC, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, Express & Star, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
2 Comments
Feeling pumped
Sorry about the patchy nature of updates at the moment – life is really interfering with my blogging activities at the moment. This is just a quick note to say to people interested in the intriguing question of the Victorian … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, 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, 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
4 Comments
Slip sliding away
In light of reader Caz’s recent interest in Brownhills clay, and the continuing fascination with the old clay pit in Pelsall Road, Brownhills, I thought I’d draw readers attention to an article that yesterday appeared on This is Staffordshire, website … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, New Photos, Staffordshire
2 Comments
Chasewater pump house – Graham Evans is the man
Following Brownhills Past supremo David Fellows’ request for information about the long-gone pumphouse near the Nine Foot pool at Chasewater, the reader response was muted, to say the least. After a grand total of zero replies, Graham Evans, wildlife expert, … 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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, 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, terrapin, turtle, Wildlife
11 Comments
Chasewater pump house: What do you know?
Dave Fellows contacted me at the weekend with a great question relating to Chasewater. Dave is a long time reader of The Brownhills Blog and is the creator and curator of the wonderful local history site Brownhills Past. When I … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater pump house, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Dave Fellows, Derelict, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Steam pump
7 Comments
Chasewater… some news at last
I see that after a five week hiatus, there’s been an uncharacteristically useful update on the Lichfield District Council Chasewater Dam Blog, with some interesting information about the outlet culvert and valve controls system. The post has actually come from … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
4 Comments
Chasewater: closer now than yesterday
It’s nice to see that now there’s some decent management of the Chasewater dam works that the project seems to be heading towards completion. I recorded a few weeks ago that the works had clearly been reassessed, and now it … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, causeway, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, coffer dam, culvert, Cycle rides, Filter, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Panoramio, piling, planning, Politics, Railway, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Vandalism, Wildlife
4 Comments
Chasewater – progress at last
Last Friday evening, I swung out to Chasewater to check out how the dam works were progressing. Things seem to be underway again after a pause for reassessment, and many elements of Lichfield District Council’s plans seem to have been … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, 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, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, causeway, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, coffer dam, culvert, Cycle rides, Filter, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Neil Turner, New Photos, Panoramio, piling, planning, Politics, Railway, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Vandalism, Wildlife
1 Comment
Chasewater: Bracing for impact
I notice today that grim news has been posted on the website of the excellent Chasewater Wildlife Group. I haven’t had time to get over to the park for a week or so, so haven’t been keeping up with progress … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, causeway, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater delay, Chasewater Railway reopening, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Countryfile, Cycle rides, Draining, Galliford Try, Graham Evans, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local politics, Mark Winnington, Neil Turner, Politics, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Wildlife
4 Comments
Chasewater: ‘From now on, it’s project-managed properly.’
A fascinating piece on Radio WM’s Ed Doolan show today about Chasewater, the predicament Lichfield Council has got itself into, and the handover to Staffordshire Councty Council. In an unusually thorough piece, Mark Winnington of Staffordshire Councty Council and Graham … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, causeway, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater delay, Chasewater Railway reopening, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Countryfile, culvert, Cycle rides, Draining, Ed Dawes, Ed Doolan, Galliford Try, Graham Evans, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local politics, Local radio, Mark Winnington, Neil Turner, Politics, Radio WM, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Wildlife
6 Comments
Chasewater: Lichfield District Council wave the white flag
Tonight, Lichfield District Council posted on their Chasewater Dam Blog the news that the whole park had been signed over to Staffordshire County Council, who would henceforth be responsible for the completion of the dam works, as well as eventually, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Beacon park, Brownhills, causeway, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater delay, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Countryfile, culvert, Cycle rides, Draining, Graham Evans, Lichfield District Council, Lizzie Thatcher, local blogs, Local politics, Neil Turner, Politics, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Val Richards, Wildlife
10 Comments
That sinking feeling
I note from Sunday’s entry on the Chasewater Wildlife Group daily diary that we’ve yet again had a horse and rider get in trouble with the mudflats created by draining the reservoir. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater horse incident, Chasewater mud, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Horse rescue, Horses stuck in mud, idiots, local blogs, muppets, New Photos, Reservoir, Silly
1 Comment
Chasewater – dry, dry land
Well, conditioned to expect a big feature on the long-dry lake, I tuned in to the BBC iPlayer on Sunday night to learn all about Chasewater’s draining. As it was, the forlorn reservoir was barely mentioned, and the bit that … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, 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, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, causeway, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater delay, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Countryfile, Cycle rides, Draining, Jeffrey's Swag, Lichfield District Council, Lizzie Thatcher, local blogs, Local politics, Neil Turner, New Photos, Panoramio, Politics, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Val Richards Steve Norman, Wildlife
7 Comments
A message for the Official Chasewater Dam Blog team
Lizzie – I know you read this blog, so I’ve a quick message for you. I posted a question on the post ‘Why we lowered the water level when we did‘ a week ago now, which has yet to appear. … Continue reading
Up the pool
The huge lake – now drained for repairs – to the north of Brownhills started life at the end of the 1700’s as a feeder reservoir for the nascent canal system. It has variously been termed Norton Pool, Cannock Chase … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Go Karts, Chasewater history, Chasewater myths, Chasewater paddle steamer, Chasewater steam boat, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cox pit, Local History, Memories of Brownhills Past, Memories of Old Brownhills, New Photos, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wide pit
29 Comments
Chasewater: subject to some delay
Returning to the subject of the local reservoir that currently even the most committed atheist could walk upon, I just thought I’d mention that Lichfield Council have published a schedule for work to upgrade the dam. Although the lake … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Dam Repairs, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Galliford Try, International Water Power & Dam Construction magazine, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire
3 Comments
Checking out Chasewater
I’ve been meaning to plug Chasewater Wildlife Group again here for a while now; it’s been a while since I mentioned them last, and along with the excellent Chas Mason’s Clayhanger Marsh Log, their site is essential reading. It’s easy … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged bird watching, birding, Brownhills, Brownhills deer, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, Graham Evans, local blogs, Neil Stych, Red deer, Reed Bunting, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Tawny Owl, Wildlife, Willow Tit
3 Comments
Chasewater Dam: Silence isn’t golden
A number of sites have now announced that work is due to start on the dam at the beginning of October. The story broke first on The Chasewater Wildlife Goup’s site, closely followed by The Lichfield Blog and then, finally, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater fish, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, Dam, Dam works, fish rescue, Galliford Try, Lizzie Thatcher, local blogs, Local politics, Michael Fabricant, New Photos, planning, Politics, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Strange Notices, Wildlife
3 Comments
Walsall wildlife watchers – keep ’em peeled!
After mentioning the excellent work of Chaz Mason over at the Clayhanger Marsh Log yesterday, I was reminded of this post from a week ago. Chaz points out that the Walsall town centre peregrines are active and easily obserbved at … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged birds of pray, Birdwatching, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Kestrel, local blogs, Perigrine Falcon, urban birdlife, Urban raptors, Urban wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Town Centre, Wildlife
2 Comments
Oh no, not Chasewater again…
Graham Evans of Chasewater Wildlife Group has pointed out to me that Lichfield District Council last year published a voluntary code of conduct for dog walkers at the park. In the light of recent events, he thought (as do I) … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Dam Blog, Chasewater Dam Repairs, Chasewater drain, Chasewater horse incident, Chasewater mud, Chasewater Safety Works, Chasewater Wildlife Group, local blogs, planning, Reservoir, Wildlife
2 Comments
Horse whisperers
I’ve been contacted by reader Gloria Wigley who left a couple of comments over the weekend about the incident with the horses stuck in the mud at Chasewater. Gloria commented on that post and subsequently on the first post I … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater accidents, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Dam Repairs, Chasewater mud, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Horses, loose dogs, mud, Reservoir, Wildlife
1 Comment
The shallow end of the gene pool
Further to my previous post about people stupidly walking onto the exposed mud at Chasewater, some pictures have been published on the Chasewater Wildlife Group’s daily diary of the incident with the horses. Since the group’s site was unfortunately down … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater horse incident, Chasewater mud, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Horse rescue, Horses stuck in mud, idiots, local blogs, muppets, New Photos, Reservoir, Silly
14 Comments
Clueless idiots
I see the daily diary over at the wonderful Chasewater Wildlife Group site records for Tuesday (6th April 2010) that… “…A man was seen to be tempting fate by walking in the north shore silt and had a panic when … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Dam Blog, Chasewater draining, Chasewater mud, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Horses stuck in mud, idiocy, local blogs, mud rescue, Reservoir, Silly, Wildlife
10 Comments
Finally woken
At long last, spring appears to be here. All around, there are signs of a delayed mother nature hurriedly obeying her biological imperative. I don’t think I’ve ever seen snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils in bloom at the same time, and … Continue reading
Posted in Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Bishton, Brownhills, Castle Ring, Castle Ring Frogs, Chasewater, Chasewater Frogs, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Crocus, Cycle rides, Daffodil, Frogs, Frogspawn, Lullington, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Swan nesting, Wildlife
1 Comment
Deerly beloved
A week ago, Brownhills Blog contributor, fellow Panoramio fan and top local history operative [Howmuch] went for a ride round Chasewater on a quiet Monday, armed as ever with his camera. As seems to be customary in spring, the local … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater deer, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Howmuch, New Photos, Panoramio, Red deer, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
9 Comments
Draining away
Even though the lake is quickly draining, there is still wintry beauty aplenty at Chasewater. The receding shores are giving rise to some interesting changes – including the discovery of wartime ammunition. If you haven’t been up there of late, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater deer, Chasewater draining, Chasewater terrapin, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, Derelict, New Photos, Panoramio, Red deer, Reservoir, Wildlife
1 Comment
Chasewater – the only victim seems to be the truth
Chasewater, the dam, the dead fish. It’s all going a bit mad right now. I was alerted a couple of nights ago by [Swan-pig] that the dead-fish story had been recycled by the Burntwood Post, which I have been trying … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, chicken little, Cormorant, Dam leak, Dam works, dead fish, Floods, Lichfield Council, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Michael Fabricant, Politics, Reservoir, Silly, Sunday Mercury, Wildlife
8 Comments
RSS - Posts
