Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir

Respite in the city. A twilight walk with sounds of birds settling down on trees and water at #edgbastonreservoir. Despite requirements to protect this #LNR, Developers set sights to illuminate the #reservoir at night with a proposed waterside development on the opposite side.

A Weekend That Showed Birmingham Is on the Rise Some weekends remind you what this city is capable of. This was one of them. Saturday began with a few hours of work — the usual discipline — before heading to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for the launch of the Birmingham Biosphere. The project, created and delivered by Chris Millward , is a powerful example of what deep knowledge, relentless energy and genuine passion can build for this city. Chris has shaped something with real purpose, and it was a privilege to be there in support. The setting also mattered. Birmingham’s green spaces are the lungs of the city — places that support wellbeing, biodiversity and community life. Protecting and enhancing them is essential as the city grows. Before the event, I spent time at the Bulldogs Veterans game, played in memory of John Simpkin, the founder of Bulldogs Rugby League Club. The turnout, the respect shown and the commitment on the pitch said everything about the culture he built. A fitting tribute to a man who shaped so many lives through sport. I was invited to speak about the Sports Quarter, the Birmingham City FC Foundation , and the scale of opportunity ahead of us — the jobs, the skills, the investment, and the multi‑billion‑pound commitment from Knighthead that is reshaping Birmingham’s future. Sunday brought a different setting at the BYSA (Birmingham Youth Sports Academy) Players’ Awards, but the same sense of momentum. The room was full of players, parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters, joined by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Zaffar Iqbal, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.A moment that raised smiles was presenting the Commissioner with a limited‑edition print of Birmingham’s most famous fictional gangster — Tommy Shelby. I also had the privilege of presenting the Lord Mayor with an award recognising his long public service. His journey — arriving in Birmingham unable to speak English and becoming the city’s First Citizen — reflects the resilience and opportunity this city offers. We recognised Safraz and Hazrat, both recently awarded MBEs for their service to the community. A standout moment followed as Anwar received an Outstanding Award for twenty‑five years of commitment. One of the original group who built BYSA from nothing, and a man who has shaped thousands of young lives. Awards across all our teams followed, representing hundreds of young players who give everything for their football and their community. As Chairman, my remarks focused on opportunity, growth and the pathways we are building for young people across Birmingham. Two days. Two very different environments. One clear message: Birmingham is on the rise. A weekend full of ambition, community, service and people who care deeply about this city — a reminder of why Birmingham’s future looks brighter than ever. A pleasure of a weekend 🫶🏼 lnkd.in/eGsH8UER Photography by Edwin Ladd

"Silver Line into Brum" View from one fine bridge at Soho Loop as sunlight glistens off the canal @CRTWestMidlands @CRTBoating @CanalRiverTrust @bhamresilience @birmingham_live @BhamUpdates

Exploring Brum’s wild nightlife! Massive thanks to @RingersWm for providing a @PulsarWild TELOS XL50 thermal imager from @ThomasJacksLtd This is part 1 of my exciting adventures across our great city - a beautiful Brum Fox! Relax, enjoy and share the magic of #WildBrum 😎

Celebrate May Day this Saturday at Sarehole Mill! 🌸 Enjoy a fun-filled day with a pop-up tea room ☕🍰, live traditional music 🎶, Morris dancing 💃, creative eco-activities 🎨, garden games 🌿 dancing around the maypole and explore the historic Mill.

We did it! 1,000 metres of wildflowers have been sown across Birmingham thanks to a @BupaFoundation Green Community Grant. 12 organisations have run 18 activity sessions with the support of 39 volunteers and 314 individuals have sown our seeds. Huge thanks to everyone.

#ThePeoplesPlot #FruitAndNutVillage #Stirchley April sessions 26. @TNLComFund

The colour is rapidly returning to #KingdomForestGarden #Stirchley. #Honeyberry #Rosemary #Damson #Cherrycot

Beautiful Brindleyplace Brum Blossom’s Back. Bab.

The pollinators have called it, enough warm days to have hatched, left hibernation and started feasting. #Spring is here. #pollinators #bees #bumblebee #dandelions

Brum Biosphere is a remarkable project that makes Birmingham and the West Midlands an exemplar of how to instil a love and respect for nature into the everyday lives of busy people in an urban setting - WM News is backing @Chris4Patches @Team4Nature 100% ✊👍👏

We've been back @edgresfriends #Ladywood today. Beautiful day, beautiful site, beautifully pruned trees.

Annual tidy and prune at #edgbastonreservoir today with @fruitnutvillage , what a beautiful day to be in the #communityorchard

Thanks to everyone who came along , what a team ! #edgbastonreservoir

Blue skies and sun shine above #edgbastonreservoir today .

Last night I accepted the City of Birmingham Medal for my late husband, Benjamin Zephaniah — the first recipient He would say this medal is for everyone who dares to think, dream, speak the truth, and be themselves Birmingham — “mix up race, mix up, but mostly mixed with glee.”

You can start by not weakening nature protections!!!

Birmingham named one of Europe's fastest growing cities birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-…

Birmingham City Council & Keon Homes have signed a deal to deliver 95 affordable homes at the former Tower Ballroom site. 🏘️ Mix of apartments & family homes 🌿 Improved landscaping & public space 🏛️ Refurbishment of the Grade II listed Reservoir Lodge into a new community hub Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and forms part of the Council’s wider ambition to deliver 2,000 homes each year and regenerate key sites across the city.

Weds 18/3/26 prune the apples and pear trees with Rob from Fruit & Nut Village . Warm Earth and organisers Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir. Free, all welcome. Light refreshments provided toilets at the Red Shed . Meet at the orchard at 10.30 location in the flyer

“Reservoirside” One of the best benches in Birmingham…and relax or chat..Edgbaston reservoir today ⁦@CRTWestMidlands⁩ ⁦@CanalRiverTrust⁩ ⁦@EA⁩ ⁦@BhamUpdates⁩ ⁦@brumartshour⁩ ⁦@HuffPostArts⁩ ⁦@nytimesarts⁩ ⁦@disabilityarts⁩