Travellers Occupy Birmingham's Sheldon Country Park, Prompting Council Action
A group of travellers have moved onto Sheldon Country Park in Birmingham, establishing an unauthorised encampment that has surprised local residents and triggered formal eviction proceedings by the city council.
Incursion Details and Local Reaction
On Saturday, January 31, a convoy of caravans and other vehicles gained access to the park via the Horseshoes Lane entrance, occupying the car park area. Locals expressed shock at the development, with many taking to social media to question how the travellers managed to enter the protected green space.
Councillor Colin Green explained that this incident follows increased security measures at nearby Gilbertstone Recreational Ground, suggesting that improved security at one location often displaces such activity to other sites. "Improving security at one site just displaces activity elsewhere," he noted, highlighting the ongoing challenge for local authorities.
Council Response and Eviction Proceedings
Birmingham City Council's parks department was promptly informed about the encampment and has begun formal eviction proceedings. A council spokesperson emphasised their commitment to protecting council land, stating: "The council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it."
This is not the first time the park has experienced such incursions, with Sheldon Country Park having been the site of multiple unauthorised encampments over previous years.
About Sheldon Country Park
Sheldon Country Park represents a significant green space within the urban environment, described as a "countryside in the city" experience. The 300-acre park features:
- Extensive grassland and wetland areas
- Mature woodland and preserved old hedgerows
- Old Rectory Farm, a restored 17th century demonstration farm
The farm, managed by park rangers on behalf of Birmingham City Council, operates year-round with free admission and showcases traditional farming methods with Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, geese, and ponies. Rangers also organise seasonal activities at the facility.
The park's location adjacent to Birmingham Airport creates a unique contrast between natural landscapes and urban infrastructure, making its protection from unauthorised access particularly important for both conservation and public access purposes.
