#sandwell

#365daysofbiking Happy valley:

May 9th - A run into Birmingham the day before had me hankering for the Sandwell Valley. I had errands to do, and the park is on the route between West Browmwich and Rushall Junction on the Tame Valley Canal, so what better chance than to pay it a visit?

It was on my return I chose to visit the park: With snacks in the saddlebag and a cooling alcohol free G&T I enjoyed a small, private picnic overlooking Swan Pool. 

It was busy with walkers, runners, cyclists and promenading families, but everything was well distanced and pleasant. 

And while I sat cross legged and munching, the late afternoon sun warmed my soul and the azure blue sky, reflected in the water, was gorgeous.

A very welcome afternoon of clarity and peace.

David Kirkham contributed “The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Black Country” to Awesome ‘Possum 4, now on Kickstarter. He is a freelance writer and cartoonist whose work has featured in Forbidden Planet and the Desert Island Discs Fanzine. He is the author of the graphic novel Tripped Electric.

How did you pick your topics for Awesome ‘Possum?

After writing about animals that no longer exist in volume 3 [”Preserving the Silurian Age”], this time around I decided to go the opposite direction by exploring the lives of creatures that are presently living. I chose to write about the amphibians and reptiles who live in my local area as they are very elusive and I wanted to highlight their existence so that eventually future generations can be aware of them.

It was far more challenging to write than my previous piece as I picked a very specific topic and there was very little written information available, so most of my research was compiled by visiting local habitats and gathering first hand knowledge of the subjects.

#365daysofbiking Blue wonder:

March 13th - A very windy, unpleasant day, but I had to pop to Tipton.

On the way, in Wednesbury’s Brunswick Park, I spotted this patch of grape hyacinths, tiny blue flowers that are one of my favourites in spring. Their composition - of multiple, tiny bell-like flowers is fascinating and one of the joys of the season.

I note also now that the crocuses are finished, a real sign of they year’s progression. Christmas now seems an age ago...

June 8th - A lovely evening after a grey, dull day so I fell out of work and hit the canals into Birmingham, then over Sandwell Valley Park to Smethwick, then back through the City Centre, a curry in Aston and home.

The summer really is excellent this year, I must say, and in the unexpectedly golden evening, the canals, city and park glowed beautifully and were beautiful and vibrant. 

September 5th - I was lucky in the morning, my early commute just clipped the edge of the forecast rain, and I didn’t get wet, but when I nipped out mid day on an errant to Wednesbury, I was caught in a downpour.

The flowers in Brunswick Park seemed to enjoy it though. I most do more on Brunswick, it’s another beautiful urban oasis that’s often unappreciated.