The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition visited the Waterhall in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This is the second year that I seen WPOTY, and the images were just as impressive as those shown last year at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry. The photographs were incredibly powerful, and the exhibition is a must-see.
A Christmas arch at the entrance to the marketPermanent and temporary architecture.
As we had a late afternoon slot at the museum, we decided to stay in Birmingham for the early evening. Our first stop was The Sun on the Hill. The pub had a lively buzz and offered a selection of interesting beers. However, we were eager to visit The Pigeon in the Park, a pop-up pub within the Cathedral Christmas Market.
Street scene from the market.Helta skeltaAngels singingThe Pigeon
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In my opinion, this Christmas market is a much better option than the Frankfurt German Market, which tends to be overcrowded. While the prices are still high, they are comparable to those at the main German Market. I prefer the area around the Cathedral as it is easier to move around. There are several excellent food stalls, and, of course, the famous pop-up pub.
StreetfoodMaking your mind up.Steam cookingDecisions, decisionsWandering through the stalls
The top floor of The Pigeon in the Park offers a panoramic view of the activity in Cathedral Square. Sipping a pint while people-watching is a great pastime. Groups often gather, hopeful of securing a table on the balcony. Below, the stalls are bustling, and the delicious aroma of cooking wafts up to the pub.
Light movement
The Pigeon in the Park is a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink on a cold winter’s night in Birmingham.
Rob at WPOTYOn the balcony
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If may wish to see what Birmingham looked like last Christmas as I have a blog about it.
The hottest ticket in town was the reopening of the revamped Birmingham Museum and Art gallery. When I saw the pictures on Instagram of the great and the good of Birmingham at the Museum’s re-opening celebration then I knew I must visit and see the changes myself. The celebrations were followed by the official opening which showed the excitement in the City about this much loved institution. People were worried that any opening may face significant delays, after the recent publicity about the problems with the Birmingham City Council. Fortunately the refurbishment of BMAG as it is affectionately known went ahead and the museum opened again on the 25th October 2024 having closed in 2019, although there was a brief reopening for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The re-imagined round room with the imposing statue of Lucifer.
A great deal of work has taken place behind the scenes in renovating the museum. Slowly the reopening happened in stages. First there was an art display on Victorian Radicals at the Gas street gallery. This celebrates the artwork from the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. I had visited the virtual reality installation In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats in the summer of 2024. This took place in the Waterhall in August. However my last visit to see the City centre musuem was in 2019.
Made in Birmingham
The entrance to BMAG is from Chamberlain square and here I bumped into a friend, Stephen Lowe, on the entrance steps. As someone who works at BMAG, Stephen gave me a quick recap of what was happening and how the next phases of reopening will happen. We climbed the steps and entered the round room of BMAG. There I was greeted by Sir Jacob Epstein’s Lucifer. This imposing statue has a menacing stance but still looks magnificent with the outstretched wings and the hands reaching out towards you. You cannot do anything but meet the eyes and then quickly look away! The walls around the room have many new pictures from before. I have a picture from 2012 which shows the difference in approach over a decade with the changing styles of artwork being displayed. Steve pulled me over to view Joe Lycett’s The Mona Lisa Scott-Lee painting which is a mimic of the famous de Vinci picture. I love the round room so spent some time there before entering the Made in Birmingham display room.
The round room looks bright and inviting. A fresh take.A view of the Round room in 2013. This was the more traditional look for the last decade.Joe Lycett’s The Mona Lisa Scott-Lee painting
The upper veranda featured the Deviance & Difference display that was curated by a good friend Osman Yousefzada. Osman had organised for artwork by graduates from Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Art, to be arranged alongside items from Birmingham’s art collection. There were displays from the following artists, Francis Bacon, Donald Rodney and Barbara Hepworth. I was pleased to see the Queen Victoria statues that were once part of a re-imagining of the Queen Victoria Statue by Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke. Originally, the five statues of Queen Victoria were placed in a boat. This was then joined with the oringial Queen Victoria statue in Victoria square. This public art was on display during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Festival. Hew Lock donated the 5 mini statues to Birmingham Museum and I had a chance to see them up close when I visited the BMAG collections facility last year.
A vaseHealthy EatingQueen VictoriaA row of Victorias
There was so much to see in the Made in Birmingham section, and highlights included the HP factory sign, contributions from local school children and models of what Birmingham may have looked like if various civic projects had gone ahead. ‘Made in Birmingham’ is a snapshot of how the city rose to prominence and highlights people and places using different iconic objects which are distinctly Birmingham made. Overlooking the hall is a large impressive neon sign of Made in Birmingham. I was thinking of a bite to eat in the Edwardian Tea rooms but as my picture shows, this is as popular as it was before closure. Arriving just before opening is required to beat the crowds.
A tricky picture to take as the sign was behind other exhibits.The Edwardian Tea Rooms
The first floor of the museum is open and there are several themed rooms to visit. The first encounter was the Modern Muse by Arpita Shah. This is a corridor of compelling pictures of young South Asian women from Birmingham and the West Midlands. The aim is to celebrate their identities and experiences of living in the West Midlands. My background is dentistry and whilst I appreciate the approach and the pictures, I would wish to have seen more young professional young women displayed in this corridor from the demographic being portrayed. Maybe there will be a continuation of the project that was commissioned by Grain projects.
Modern Muse by Arpita Shah in the corridor leading from the Round room.
I missed the Pixel Studio which is the new digital gallery and activity space as I was captivated by the display that celebrated the life and work of Birmingham-born poet, Benjamin Zephaniah (958 – 2023). The picture by Pogus Caesar captures Benjamin so well and I stood around taking pictures of people who were passing through with the reflections on the wall.
Benjamin Zephaniah
There are two new galleries named the Wild City which highlights nature in the City of Birmingham. These are designed primarily for interaction with children and families but the stories of nature are for everyone to enjoy.
Not an exhibit but part of the shop. Stacey Barnfield and colours of Brum
Then that was the end of the tour. The Victorian Radicals exhibition that highlights the paintings and art work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood has to be pre-booked. I will be returning to view the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition later this month. So what did I think? I was so pleased to be able to visit the museum again and even though it was only one floor, seeing old familiar rooms and new artwork was very rewarding. I look forward to more rooms being opened in the future.
You may wish to see my previous adventures when visiting BMAG
The shop designers at Selfridges Birmingham are always ahead of the game when Christmas arrives. Yes I know Christmas is arriving earlier and earlier each year. These pictures were taken on 4th November when we went in for a shopping expedition. I love the ground floor of Selfridges and the attention to detail is wonderful to see. Seeing the Christmas decorations reminds me of when I was growing up in Manchester as a young boy, my parents took me into Kendals department store on Deansgate. I was so excited to see the store’s decorations and the feeling of expectation of what Father Christmas may bring me.
The Selfridges’ Christmas TreeThe lights and the reflective spheres.
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When we visited, the first port of call was the ground floor to see the various shops all set up for Christmas. I enjoy seeing the Lego sets (yes the boy in me is still there), looking at the Christmas cards and this time checking out the extensive Jellycats stand. I also visited the White company as I know that is the place Sandy likes. I was planning ahead for her birthday and Christmas in the next few months.
Having a marmalade sandwich with Paddington.
We had brunch at the Medicine Bakery. Before Covid, I had a dental clinic at Boots every Monday. I used to spend an hour taking photographs before arriving at the Medicine Bakery for a coffee and a croissant. Then I hotfooted across town to Boots to start the day. Their pastries are wonderfully light and the filling is delicious. Just outside the café, Paddington was on a bench eating marmalade sandwiches. It would be rude not to have a picture of Siân and Mason with Paddington.
The Bull at Selfridges.
The Selfridges Bull, not to be confused with the Bullring bull, was sporting some splendid Christmas decorations. The rest of the shopping centre was also getting into the spirit of Christmas and I am sure that I will be back again several times over the festive period.
The Bull Ring shopping Centre is quiet on a Monday morning before the Christmas Shopping begins.
There will be many more blog posts before Christmas but if you wish to revisit Christmas 2023 then I have the following link for you to visit.
The Jewellery Quarter is a picturesque part of Birmingham. In the centre of the neighbourhood are two cemeteries, Warstone Lane and Key Hill. Both graveyards are the resting place to the great and the good of Birmingham. During the day they are a quiet tranquil place where the peace is occasionally interrupted by workers from the Jewellery Quarter taking their lunch break. At weekends, there are groups of people touring the cemeteries. At night, the place is an ideal setting for more ghostly happenings.
The candlelit path to the catacombsThe Warstone Lane catacombs with lights and pumpkins.The pumpkins on display with the different carvings.
The JQ BID put together a Pumpkin Extravaganza which was centred around the catacombs at Warstone Lane Cemetery. IgersbirminghamUK were invited to take photographs of the event. The evening included visiting the various stalls that had set out their Halloween displays. Activities included the opportunity to carve your own pumpkin. The Friends of Warstone Lane and Key Hill cemeteries had put out a display of skulls and other interesting spooky objects. The Coffin Works were demonstrating how to make badges using techniques normally used on coffins.
A hearse on displayMake your own medalFriends
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A frightened pumpkin
There were tours of the catacombs and our guide, Josie, gave us a historical background to the area plus a few ghost stories as well. The low light made photography difficult but there were still many opportunities for pictures from the lights of the Pumpkins which were arranged in front of the doors of the catacombs. A spooky night was enjoyed by all as the pictures show. Thank you JQ BID for your organisation of the event.
Josie, our guide, in the Catacombs.Spooky atmosphereGhosts walking amongst us.
If you enjoyed this blog about the IgersbirminghamUK photographic meetings then follow the link below and look out for details of our meetings on the IgersbirminghamUK Instagram page.
The winter months are an ideal time to photograph Digbeth. The lights that criss-cross the main streets are a feature of the area and are turned off around 8am. Just before this happens, the white lights stand out against the “blue hour” sky. At this time of the day, the colourful streets are enriched by the light of the dawn. The next ingredient for a good photograph in Digbeth is when rainfall has happened in the previous few days. Digbeth has several large puddles which provide ideal opportunities for reflections. Over the years, I have learnt where these puddles are likely to occur.
Floodgate street in the blue hour.Fancy a game?Classic puddle photography in Gibb Street.More classic views of Gibb Street.Green lights
My urban photography is done with wither my iPhone or Fujifilm x100vi. The pictures in this blog are from both cameras and you should be able to distinguish between the two picture styles that they produce. The iPhone gives vibrant colours whilst the Fujifilm gives a grittier feel to the pictures. I like both effects.
The colourful smiley by Tempo33 on Hack StreetMore Hack Street graffiti.This art by Golden Boy is still there on Hack Street.
Arriving in Digbeth, I plan to walk around the following streets, Lower Trinity, Gibb and Floodgate. I do visit other streets that lead off from the crucial three as these pictures show. The street art in Digbeth constantly changes. Newer pieces appear, older artwork gets tagged whilst some of the murals remain untouched. When photographing in Digbeth, I try to capture the interactions of the locals with the street activities. There are a few people moving around on their way to work at the Custard Factory or the industry units around the area. Pre pandemic the area was very busy but post pandemic people are working from home so the footfall is less. However I am still able to capture people on the street. I am building up a large portfolio of images from Digbeth although I am not alone and many other photographers pitch up on the streets. The area still retains its charms and I see the slow but persistent march of gentrification which is changing the Digbeth scene. I hope the area still retains the charm that makes Digbeth a place to visit in Birmingham.
Your friendly neighbourhood……Follow the leader.Seen on Adderley Street (part 1)Seen on Adderley Street (part 2)Easy Rider on Upper Trinity Street.Trainvaders, Lower Trinity StreetMade in Digbeth, Lower Trinity Street
Technique used for my puddle photography
The iPhone is ideal for this style of reflective photography. The lenses can be placed close to the surface of the puddle to provide a perfect reflection. The technique I employ, once I have located an ideal puddle, is to orientate the phone in landscape with the 3 lenses placed to the bottom right for the picture. The iPhone has no flip out screen so bending down is necessary which may be difficult when you are standing in a large puddle. I generally use the standard view or the wide angled setting. Care is needed not to place the iPhone lenes so low that they touch the water. The focus may start jumping to the nearest point in the puddle which will leads to blurring of the background. Looking at the screen is difficult, so some guesswork of where you are focussing and handling the phone is necessary. I must keep remembering to toggle the RAW setting although the resulting pictures on standard Live View are of sufficient quality to withstand the post editing.
Sticker wall still going strong.More views of Floodgate Street with only a few cars around.
If you want more views of Digbeth then follow my links through the blog posts below.
Orelle restaurant is 24 floors up on the top floor of 103 Colmore Rd. As part of the IgersbirminghamUK team, we were invited to take photographs in 2022 just before the restaurant was open to the public. The views from the restaurant were outstanding. At the time, I remember saying one day “I will be back for a meal”. Fast forward to our 40th wedding anniversary and our three daughters gave us money as a gift to use for a meal out. Reading the reviews, I noted that Orelle was voted the best restaurant in Birmingham in 2024. Furthermore, the reviews for the Sunday lunch menu have been consistently rated as good. Therefore, we booked and looked forward to our day at Orelle.
Sandy and Damien celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary
Leaving the lift on the 24th floor, the view of Birmingham takes your breath away. The view of the city is spectacular and I immediately spotted the Rotunda and Moor Street. The restaurant has a convivial ambiance and the staff are polite and courteous. We were shown to our table by the north window which gave us an uninterrupted view over St Phillip’s Cathedral and Snow Hill . Our waiter was very attentive to our needs, and we ordered our drinks and then reviewed the menu. Sandy is allergic to shellfish and the waiter explained that he would alert the kitchen and as a check we would notice a pink sticker on our order. This indicated that the kitchen were aware of the allergy and ensured that no utensils or plates were mixed.
The view over St Philip’s cathedral.
Sandy chose the warmed sourdough bread with salted French butter. The bread roll was generous and there was plenty for both of us. This was useful as I selected the Ham hock terrine with pickled vegetables, pineapple and toasted sourdough. I used the remaining bread with my starter. The food was well presented and the terrine had a pleasing flavour.
Our lunch prior to adding the vegetables.
For our Sunday lunch main course, we both selected the Surlonge rôtie which was 35 day aged Cumbrian sirloin. There was a generous sized Yorkshire pudding and the vegetables came in small pans placed in the centre of the table. If I had one criticism then it must be the gravy. There could have been a more generous serving. Luckily the amount of gravy was just sufficient for both us and we did not have to ask for more. The meat was cooked to our preference of medium with little fat and we tucked into a good lunch.
For drinks, I chose a beer and selected the excellent 21 Pale Ale Citra made by Brew by numbers. I saw that there was an excellent range of wines. Sandy chose a non-alcoholic cocktail which was not to her taste. She persevered with it but then reverted to water. We should have exchanged the cocktail for a more pleasing one.
Following on from the main course there was space for dessert. Sandy and I parted ways. Sandy chose the Chocolat et Yuzu which was a milk chocolate mousse, walnut brownie, yuzu caramel and vanilla ice cream. I went for the Crème brûlée consisting of spiced orange, macerated berries and vanilla sable. Both were nicely presented and were lovely end to the lunch.
Chocolat et YuzuCrème brûlée
Throughout the meal, we admired the view and watched the clouds move through the landscape. We saw the trams and trains pass through Snow Hill. When we started, the restaurant was relatively quiet but when we finished by late afternoon, the place was full and there were one or two parties waiting to sit down. Not once did we feel rushed or interrupted by the activities of a busy restaurant.
Looking up to the top of 103 Colmore Row
Overall impressions
Sunday lunch at Orelle is all about the experience. The view from the top floor is unparalleled and provides a super backdrop whilst you are enjoying your food. The meal was very good. Service was of a high standard and we both enjoyed our Sunday lunch menu. One may say that the place is expensive but this was a special occasion. The expense was worth it as we had a marvellous time. We reflected over coffee that whilst we would not be making Sunday lunch a regular pursuit at Orelle, we would come back again. I would recommend a visit and you will understand why the restaurant is voted as the best in Birmingham.
The golden ticket on a beautiful September evening was a 155 metres journey to the top of the Octagon skyscraper. The invite from Core-marketing on behalf of Paradise Birmingham brought out the great and the good of the photographic fraternity in Birmingham. There were many people disappointed that they were not there to celebrate the “topping out” of this iconic skyscraper. Over 60 photographers gathered at the base of the Octagon waiting to be taken up the 49 floors to the very top of the building. Our “lift” was a hoist which was a platform cage that pointed away from the building. This took up the first 25 photographers. Then there was an anxious wait as the hoist came back down for the rest of us. We did not want to miss the sunset. The cage of the hoist was bordered by a metal grill and as we climbed the outside of the building to the very top , our mobile phones recorded the journey.
Our “hoist” to the top.
We were greeted with a beautiful golden sun that was setting in the West over Edgbaston reservoir. The 360 degrees view was spectacular and with time the familiar landmarks around Birmingham came into focus. There was Broad Street, the Rotunda, the Cube and the BT Tower. Further away the Aston Expressway together with various mosques and churches scattered around the horizon could be seen. The serious photographers were very active. Cameras were pointed at the view and many pictures were taken. There were two levels at the crown of the Octagon, the main level with a metal barrier around the periphery and then a central raised column accessed by a metal staircase, provided a clearer view. There were various cameras on display ranging from super zoom telescopic lenses right down to the humble mobile phone. The social media channels were going to be saturated with views of Birmingham. Nicky Warwickshire, James never Jim and myself (dammodammo) were there representing the IgersbirminghamUK team!
The crown of the Octagon.The view of the sunset over Edgbaston Reservoir.Capturing the sunset.
Sunset was upon us and we gathered to pay homage to the setting of the sun. I was reminded of the Bowie song “Memory of a Free Festival” and the lyrics of the song resonated with me. “The sun machine is going down and we are going to have a party”. This time there was no music just the quiet clicking of camera shutters. However, the fun wasn’t finished. The lights of the city came on and car headlights lights started streaking down the streets like small silver dots. Suddenly you could see into the illuminated offices hidden during the day by reflective glass. Trams and buses were gracefully moving along the streets. Particular views that I enjoyed included Moor Street station and the Birmingham canal navigations.
The view from the OctagonThe Cube103The BT TowerMosques on the skylineSnow Hill 1 to 3Moor St and the Rotunda
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Needless to say we all took so many pictures that saturation point was quickly reached and then the time came to descend back down the hoist and catch the train home. In my excitement, I forgot to get a picture of the moonrise but luckily many other photographers filled that void and I was able to see their views of the moon. One photographer Pete Davies was at Edgbaston reservoir and he captured the moonrise next to the Octagon. You can just make out the photographers on the top.
Tram passing through Victoria Square.Cars on the Expressway.
We were discussing the visit and how spectacular the tower construction was on the train home. One of the Octagon project leaders was on the same train home and he gave us a fascinating insight into how the structure had been built and what was involved in its construction. Our conversation took in previous buildings such as the Cube and what was in store for Birmingham in the future. This was a really enjoyable evening and I knew that there was still the morning sunrise to look forward to. However the weather forecast didn’t look too promising but then again we wait and see.
Final look at the sunset glow on our way home.
The sunrise shift.
Getting up at 4:00am was not easy but once I got moving, I was wide awake. After a quick breakfast and walking the dog, I drove into Birmingham and parked up in Brindley Place. Birmingham City Centre was very quiet with only a few people moving around. I walked briskly through Centenary square, past the library, into Chamberlain place and on to the Octagon for the morning session. There were far fewer photographers gathered at the base of the building. Getting up early appears to be a much more difficult activity for a photographer than the evening sunset. The weather was dull and the golden glow of yesterday evening was quickly forgotten as we checked in and made our way to the “hoist”. Soon we were back travelling on the outside of the building. This was now familiar territory and recording the journey up was much easier the second time around.
Going up the Octogen
When we arrived at the crown, the first thing I noticed was the wind and the cold. Night had not loosened its grip of the new day and the bright city lights were still shining. I got out my camera and started taking pictures. There were some opportunities to take some long exposures of the rush hour traffic that was starting to stream into the City. Reviewing other people’s photographs, I realized that I had missed some buildings and I made sure that I got St. Paul’s church and the Big Pen in the Jewellery Quarter. There were a few other places that I had forgotten all about from last night and this was the most exciting part of the visit, taking new views of the city.
The rush hour into the City along Suffolk Street Queensway.A Bus moving down Broad street.Centenary Square Cambrian Wharf.St Paul’s ChurchThe Big Pen and the JQ in the early morning mist.The mist rolls in.
Slowly the dawn crept forward and banished the dark of the night. The wind seemed to be increasing and I was glad that I had my jumper with me to add to the layers of clothers that I was wearing. A mist started rolling in and unsurprisingly, there was no sunrise but I knew the sun was out there somewhere. With my remaining time, I started looking for unusual shots around the building. BBC West Midlands radio were present, interviewing people who were getting ready for the topping out ceremony that was taking place later that day.
Interviews for BBC West Midlands Radio.
This visit was a quieter affair. Mindfulness is a wonderful feeling and I stood taking in the view which was much more rewarding than just wanting to use my camera. I had taken all the pictures that I needed and went back down the hoist for the final time. There was a touch of sadness as I had really enjoyed my two visits to the top of the Octagon. This 49 floor skyscraper is ready for future residential living and the plan is to rent out the apartments. The building will soon be completed and then the army of construction workers will move on to the next tall building. Birmingham is an exciting place and is changing all the time. I hope to go up the next building that gets finished, but in the meantime, I left with good thoughts as I wandered back through the city to my car. There were more workers out and about getting ready for the day, I had already completed a day on top of the Octagon and now I was getting ready for a second day. I looked forward to getting my pictures together and telling people how much I had enjoyed my visit to the Octagon.
Bolt and BokehHoist CallHook and crane
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to all at the Octagon who allowed these amazing visits to take place. I do hope you enjoyed reading about my visit to the Octagon. Thank you to Paradise Birmingham and Core-Marketing for the opportunity.
Sunset memories.
I have given a link to some of my other visits to skyscrapers and hope you continue to read my photographic journey.
This cathedral is a Birmingham hidden gem. I have walked past the building several times and always wondered what the place was like inside. Located on Summer Hill Terrace, the cathedral sits on the edge of the Jewellery quarter. Summer Hill is an elevated part of Birmingham and when you stand by the cathedral you are overlooking a busy dual carriageway that leads into Birmingham. From here you look over the National Indoor Arena with a good view of the new shiny skyscrapers that are being built in the city centre. The streets around the Cathedral are very narrow with a one-way system. The church has access to parking and leaving my car I made my way to the entrance. On this Saturday night, the service of Vespers was taking place. Vespers is a liturgy of evening prayer. Sunset is when the liturgical day starts. The hymns that are sung introduce the day’s themes. This opportunity of visiting the Cathedral to partake in the Vesper’s service was made possible through the Birmingham Heritage Week and invitation of the Church Committee of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew.
The beautiful symmetry of the Cathedral.
The rain was coming down and walking through the entrance, there was a warm light flowing outwards welcoming you to the Church. The elders of the cathedral had taken over the church in 1957 and the original stonework with repeating arches is impressive. Overlaying this architecture was an abundance of riches with extensive chandeliers and religious icons both on the walls and at various entrances. The alter was the focus of a large collection of paintings and icons. The Greek Orthodox congregation were very friendly and the singing was beautiful.
An upward view of the large ChandelierThe beautiful arches and stonework.
Before I knew it the beautiful rendition of the Vespers service was over. One of the Church committee then explained the history of the cathedral and pointed out particular features of interest. Then we were invited to look around the cathedral and then to join everyone for refreshments in the Cathedral hall. The cathedral was full and it was difficult to get good pictures with people moving around. I went for refreshments and then made my way out. To my delight the church happened to be quiet and peaceful and I was able to move around and take pictures with my iPhone. The symmetry of the church caught my imagination and the iPhone is good at working in low light. I particularly enjoyed viewing the icons and the many pictures around the Cathedral. The evening was very memorable and this blog is my attempt to convey the evening through text and pictures.
A stunning icon of the Madonna and child.CandlesGuiding light
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Details of the alter.The dome of the CathedralChandelierSide alterAlter and domeCrossIcons
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The outside of the cathedral from Summer Hill Road
Sixteen-acre ward has been a project that I started in March 2021, and I have visited the area at regular intervals since. The wood was in the news, when the initial plans for the HS2 line revealed that it would cut into the wood. Therefore, trees were felled, and an old ancient pond was duplicated in a new location nearby. This new pond has signage and chains to protect this nature venture. Over the years, the landscape around the wood has changed drastically. This is my fourth visit to the wood. As with the previous ones, I was interested to see if anything had changed since my visit last year.
The new pond is covered with vegetation. No entry to the pond.A crane rears its headOvergrown
Fortunately, my drive to Berkswell village was not difficult as the HS2 works will close access to various roads around the area at a moment’s notice. I parked my car near to St Mary’s Church, Berkswell, and walked along the boardwalk. There is a footpath that runs up the hill over a farmer’s field. This footpath meets up and follows the HS2 route I reached the part of the HS2 track which passes by Sixteen-acre wood and goes onto meet Kenilworth Rd.
The landscape has really changed.Drainage and fencesNot a place for swimming.
A year on and I noticed that the vegetation is starting to reclaim much of the area. The new pond is thriving although it could do with some trees around the parameter. Meanwhile the old pond has not given up and there is still life around an old tree has collapsed into the water. Walking down the designated footpath there is a sharp contrast. On the left side beyond the steel fence the large land moving vehicles were resting as it was a Sunday, a day of rest. The earth had been moved into heaps of brown soil and there were lines of plastic pipes lined up for draining the water. On the right-hand side, the wood looked in a sorry state. Some of the vegetation is recovering but there are still scars around the knocked down trees. Some of the trees looked like scarecrows contrasting against the bleak sky. What did catch my eye was the number of butterflies and dragonflies that were present. Nature is slowly attempting to get back to its feet after being interrupted by the HS2 works.
The old pond looks out at the new landscape.The trees look bare.Crows fly above the trees.We are still here.DragonfliesNew places to restButterflies
These pictures show the amount of construction that is happening as the pace of building is now moving quickly. In the midst of this construction, there were some beautiful butterflies and I must have seen around 10 different types of insects. There was a hoard of dragonflies that are living in the stagnant water created around the HS2 trenches. Someone once told me not to worry about HS2 as everything will grow back once the viaducts that are planned are completed. I wait to see if this will be true as the scars in the land look very deep. I now have my 4th entry into my 16 acre wood project and I will return next year to see what progress has happened and whether nature is coping with the changes forced on the landscape.
HS2 construction is gathering pace.Earth moving equipment waiting for Monday morning.The stagnant water has encouraged the growth of the dragonfly population. The wood is to the left of the picture.
The newest and tallest building in Birmingham is the Octagon which is 155 m (509 ft) tall. The skyscraper will have 49 floors and is dominating the Birmingham skyline. The picture shows how dominant this building will be across the City. The platforms at Snow Hill Station are uneven and puddles form after the rain. I took this one in a large puddle to show the dominating structure. I am looking forward to taking more pictures of the completed skyscraper. Watch this space.
Different styles between the Library and the neighbouring Octagon.
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