Sutton Park NNR

Sutton Park NNR is a big park in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the West Midlands of England. It is a National Nature Reserve and also has parts that are a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means they are very important and old. The park is one of the largest urban parks in the United Kingdom, covering more than 2,200 acres.

The park has many different types of land, like heathland, wetlands, and marshes. There are seven lakes and big ancient woodlands covering about a quarter of the park. Visitors can enjoy many activities such as walking dogs, pony trekking, biking, and flying kites. There are also places to fly model airplanes and helicopters. A railway line runs through the park, and there are restaurants and golf courses nearby. Although there is no charge to enter the park, parking fees are still being discussed.

History

The park has a rich and ancient history. Near Rowton's Well, people found flint arrowheads during World War II, showing that people lived there long ago. There are also old burnt mounds and an ancient well. Part of a Roman road called Icknield Street runs through the park, and you can still walk along it today. In 1909, two Roman coins were found in the park.

The park became a Royal Forest in the 9th century and was later used as a deer park. In 1528, King Henry VIII gave the land to the people of Sutton Coldfield. Wyndley Pool is the oldest pool in the park and might date back to the 12th century. Other pools were created later to power watermills. A railway line was built through the park in 1879, which brought more visitors, but the park’s own station closed in 1964. During the world wars, the park had camps for convalescent soldiers, enemy aliens, U.S. forces, and prisoners of war. In 1957, the 50th anniversary of Scouting was celebrated there with a large international event. In 1992, a huge BBC Radio 1 Roadshow took place with many live performances. There was once a swimming pool, but it closed and the area is now woodland and wetland.

Sports

Sutton Park is a great place for many outdoor activities. People enjoy mountain biking there, especially on the popular "Skeleton Hill" area. You can also find sailing and canoeing on Powell's Pool, as well as kayaking at Blackroot Pool with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Canoe Club.

The park has many paths for runners and walkers to explore. Several running events happen here throughout the year, such as the Great Midlands Fun Run and the Race for Life. Every Saturday morning at 9:00am, there is a free 5 km parkrun starting at Banners Gate.

The park was also the site for triathlon events during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. People can join Be Military Fit fitness classes near Boldmere Gate several days a week. There are many cycling paths for all skill levels and an 18-hole golf course near the Streetly Gate.

You can also try other activities like fishing, rowing, and sailing on Powell's Pool, where the Sutton Sailing Club meets often. The park has even hosted motor rallies in the past, drawing many spectators.

Wildlife

Nightjars used to live in the park, with the last one seen in 1957 during a big Scout event. Since then, they were only spotted again in 1974 and 2005. The park also used to have red grouse until 1868 and black grouse until 1897.

Hydrology

Two streams begin in Sutton Park: Plants Brook, also called the Ebrook or East Brook, and its smaller stream called Longmoor Brook. These streams, along with some smaller ones and artificial drainage channels, fill several man-made ponds and reservoirs in the park. The water from these streams eventually flows out of the park into the River Tame. From there, it travels through the River Trent and the Humber before reaching the North Sea. When it rains a lot, extra water from outside the park flows into the streams through special storm drains.

Current status

In 1997, the area was named a national nature reserve and is listed as a historic park. In 2005, a plan was started to bring back native plants and trees like oak, ash, and beech.

The park is looked after by the Birmingham City Council. In 2004, it was announced that local councillors for Sutton Coldfield would help manage it.

The roads in the park now have stricter rules. Car traffic is mostly blocked during the day to make the park quieter and safer for walkers and cyclists. Speed limits have been lowered to help keep everyone safe.

The park still has a funfair for small children with rides like go-karts and pirate ship swings.

There are also places for youth groups, like the Sea Cadets and Scouts.

In 2007, plans were made to build a new bicycle path from Erdington to Sutton Park.

In 2008, there was an idea to bring back trains that would go through the park.

In 2012, some people got sick, so children under 10 were asked to stay away for a while. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the park was a popular place for people to exercise.