How does a city get under your skin?
Let me explain how civic pride was built for me, adding so much to my life, using Swanshurst Park as an example.
Walks with Nan as a kid
When I was young my Nan used to take me to this fabulous park. It was a place of discovery, fun and learning. It was a place where the love for my Nan deepened. It was a place where all problems washed away. I was young and did not realise that B13 0TB and I had forged a bond that could never be broken.
‘Civic pride – a powerful force for good’
This was one of my many Brum experiences. Yours can start today if they haven’t already. Civic pride is a friend, adding so much to our lives, and a powerful force for good.
Life and geography took me away from the park, but in recent times I have returned and instantly felt the magic of this place. I retraced steps, honoured my Nan through fun memories and realised that this earth beneath my feet was an extension of me.
Swanshurst Park, Sunday June 22 – Birdfest’
When people think of community they think of people coming together, but the critical element is the ground beneath their feet.
On Sunday June 22, between noon and 2pm, I will be leading a series of bird walks at Swanshurst Park as part of a fabulous “Birdfest” event organised by The Friends of Swanshurst Park that also includes exciting games, forest school activities, henna art, storytelling, a woodcarving demonstration and free food.
32 species of bird
I surveyed the park recently in preparation for this event and recorded 32 bird species. This is an urban oasis that celebrated its centenary in 2023 and continues to give so much to the people of Birmingham.
I warmly welcome you and your families to join us friends of Swanshurst Park for the Birdfest.
I will be passionately demonstrating the power of civic pride while leading you into the magical world of Birmingham’s open spaces and birdlife.
For more information you can follow the Friends of Swanshurst Park on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/friendsofswanshurstpark
