In the centre of Spring Lane Playing Fields sits 4 acres of self-seeded, developing woodland. Nature has done a superb job of introducing a wide variety of native species of trees and shrubs, forming a natural habitat for a range of animals and birds.
Currently foxes, muntjac deer, hedgehogs and many types birds can all be seen around the site. There is a selection of trees and bushes that are particularly attractive to bees, helping boost the dwindling bee population in the area.
Running beneath this area and between pitches to the east of the site, is the natural spring that the site is named after. Many years ago, the spring was diverted underground through a culvert resurfacing on the adjacent construction site.
It is the objective of the project to develop the entire site in an environmentally friendly way and wherever possible increase its biodiversity. This will include more tree and hedgerow planting, including wild edible fruit and berry species. Creation of habitats for additional species, including nesting boxes and safe areas and the unearthing of the subterranean spring.
In January 2022 the Severn Trent planted the first planned Tiny Forest on site, see the link below for more information:
This natural area will serve as a multi educational and vocational place for local school, college students and youth groups, creating an opportunity to learn about the increasingly important issues that face our planet, in a fun and safe environment.
The area will contain many individual features and activities, which will be accessible for local schools, youth organisations and clubs.
The spring: It is intended to open up the water course through the nature area as a small stream. As it exits the area on the east side it will well into a small shallow freshwater pond, with sandy shores to create a safe paddling area for children, to explore the diverse world of a natural water habitat.
Petting area: A small petting area will allow local children to get close to a range of safe farm animals. Many of the children will be drawn from local schools in the near inner-city area of Birmingham, with limited opportunity to experience a farm environment.
Camping area: The woodland area will be interspersed with several small camping pitches; these can be used for school and club overnight camping experiences. Included in the camping area will be a central campfire hollow, outdoor cooking areas and a woodcraft area. Providing a rage of educational outdoor activities.
Assault course: A small assault course will provide an energetic outlet for children, created out of natural products, the course will blend into the environment.
Eco Classroom: An indoor classroom capable of seating 15 children will provide an all-weather learning environment. The classroom will be solar powered and serviced with rainwater collection and composting toilets.
The entire nature area provides a outdoor sensory experience for all children across the full range of sensory receptors:
Auditory – sounds of the wild birds and farm animals. Gustatory – taste of outdoor cooked food and that of edible wild fruit and berries.
Visual – exploring the insect habitats in the Tiny Forest and the water creatures in the spring pool.
Olfactory – the smell of blossom trees and flowering plants and the not so pleasant odour of farm animals. Tactile – feeling the many textures and surfaces a wild habitat offers.
Tactile – feeling the many textures and surfaces a wild habitat offers.
Vestibular – opportunities from the use of the assault course, designed to improve balance and agility.
Proprioception – carefully handling animals in the petting zoo and insects in the wild. Or picking woodland fruits carefully without damage.
The area will be serviced with a range of localised web cameras, placed in nesting boxes or areas of interest such as the petting area. Via a web portal back at school the children will be able to access the site and check on the natural activities that occur.