Kingfisher Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kingfisher Country Park |
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Meriden Park lake, within Kingfisher Country Park, which flows into the River Cole
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| Location | Birmingham, England |
| Area | 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) approx. |
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Kingfisher Country Park is a special green space in East Birmingham, West Midlands, England. It was officially named a country park in July 2004. This park stretches for about 11 kilometers (7 miles) along the River Cole. It goes from Small Heath in Birmingham all the way to Chelmsley Wood in Solihull. It is also a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its important wildlife.
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Protecting Nature: The Project Kingfisher Story
The idea for Kingfisher Country Park started with a plan called Project Kingfisher. This project began in 1985. Its main goal was to protect and care for the beautiful River Cole valley. This valley is a long, low area of land around the river.
Who Helped Fund Project Kingfisher?
Many groups worked together to make Project Kingfisher happen. Both the Birmingham City Council and the Solihull MBC (Metropolitan Borough Council) helped pay for it. Several charities and organizations also gave money to support the project. These included:
- English Nature
- The Environment Agency
- Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
- Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country
Exploring the Park's Geography
Kingfisher Country Park covers a large area of about 1,000 acres (4 square kilometers). It crosses the border between Birmingham and the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull. Inside and around the park are several smaller nature reserves. These areas are also protected because of their special plants and animals.
Local Nature Reserves Within the Park
One important reserve is Yorks Wood. Solihull MBC bought this woodland in the 1980s and declared it a local nature reserve in the 1990s. Other protected areas include Babbs Mill Lake and Alcott Wood. There are also plans to make Cole Bank, Smiths Wood, Elmdon Nature Park, and Elmdon Coppice into local nature reserves.
The River Cole and Its Habitats
The River Cole flows right through the country park. It creates the River Cole Valley, which is home to many different types of wildlife habitats. A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. The park has a mix of landscapes, including grassland, wetland, and woodland areas. Some of these woodlands are hundreds of years old.
Lakes and Water Features
The park also has several artificial lakes. These lakes are surrounded by different plants. Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst was dug to help control flooding in the river. Shard End Lake was created when an old quarry (a place where stone is dug out) filled up with water.
Paths for Walkers and Cyclists
Kingfisher Country Park is a great place for outdoor activities. It is open to both cyclists and walkers. You can follow paths along the river to reach other nearby country parks. These include Shire Country Park and Sheldon Country Park. You can also walk to places like the Grand Union Canal, Coleshill, Kingshurst Brook, and Meriden Park.
Wildlife in Kingfisher Country Park
The park is a haven for many different animals. Along the river, you might spot herons, kingfishers, and water voles. Unfortunately, mink are also sometimes seen, which can be a problem for native wildlife.
Animals in the Ponds and Grasslands
The ponds in Shard End are home to many invertebrates (animals without backbones) and amphibians. Amphibians are creatures like frogs and newts that can live both on land and in water. In the park's open grasslands, skylarks have been seen. These birds have successfully bred there for many years, which is a good sign for the park's health.
