Billesley Common

Some friends of mine are involved in a project to look after Billesley Common and over the last few years, it has transformed. From the Haunch Lane entrance there is a great path (great for bikes) up to the newly equipped playground including an outdoor gym. I was recently luckily enough to be given the opportunity to survey the wildlife in the stream where there was great variety. There are also a couple of ponds now which are teaming with tadpoles. There are many garden plants to be found as it once housed prefabs after World War 2. I would also recommend it as part of longer walks encompassing Swanshurst Park and down to Sarehole Mill, following the river past the Dingles. Thoroughly recommended.

There’s not a huge amount to say about Billesley Common. I am glad it’s there, though, what with it being a bit of green space and all. Actually, that is pretty much all it is really, as it’s fairly featureless. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you just want a big stretch of open parkland, but I prefer something with a bit of a lake or a series of interesting paths or a bit of wood, or something.
There are rugby and football pitches, and it’s a good place for local kids to get a bit of fresh air — and for local adults to get a break from all the concrete, but other than that it’s pretty much just a large patch of grass. I’d head of Swanshurst Park or Moseley Bog if you’re after something a little more interesting. But if you just want a bit of space to walk the dog or play a bit of football, then Billesley Common is perfectly adequate.

Billesley Common is accessed from a couple of routes. I use it via the Haunch Lane end which is just next to the bus stop at the end of the road.
It’s one of the reasons why I love Birmingham so much-​all the lovely green spaces. It’s mostly used by dog walkers and joggers whenever I’ve been up there. There are a few covered paths before you reach the open air fields for the rugby etc. I discovered it as a short cut to reach Moseley Rugby Club. It makes for a very pleasant walk.
One word of warning though, I hate to say this but I’ve never felt very safe wandering around on my own or with my son. Wish this wasn’t so, but there you go.
Best to go with the kids and another adult, just to be on the safe side. Apart from that, a great place to let the kids fly round for a bit.

Billesley Common is a place which holds harrowing personal memories for me. Year after year I would trudge through the mud during the hour long hell ride that was the annual school cross country run. However, putting aside my own personal misfortune this place has actually markedly improved over recent years. One of the main reasons for this improvement is the locating of Moseley Rugby clubs ground on the site which has allowed it something of rejuvenation. Other than that it is your fairly bog standard piece of city parkland with football and rugby pitches available and various sports teams training during the summer months. As with any park this place is a part of the community and hopefully it will continue to move in an upward curve.