East Birmingham green corridor plans along the Cole Valley

Plans to transform green spaces across East Birmingham, including a green corridor along the Cole Valley, are part of the council's Green Infrastructure Master Plan for the area.

What the plan includes

The masterplan sets out an ambitious programme of projects to improve parks, open spaces, river corridors and streets in East Birmingham, with priority locations and projects identified. The Cole Valley green corridor is one of the key projects.

Several of the projects have been included in the region's combined authority's Local Investment in Natural Capital programme, which aims to attract investment into nature.

Part of a bigger plan

The masterplan is part of the wider East Birmingham Inclusive Growth Programme, which aims to improve opportunities, health and quality of life in one of the most deprived parts of the city. It is also linked to the council's Urban Nature Development and Urban Forest Accelerator projects, which aim to increase tree cover and improve green spaces.

The River Cole

The River Cole rises south of Birmingham and flows north east through the south and east of the city, past Hall Green, Stechford and Hodge Hill, before leaving it. Much of its route through Birmingham is already green, with footpaths, meadows and woodland, and parts form the Shire Country Park, which links to Sarehole Mill, a place associated with J.R.R. Tolkien's childhood.

Why green corridors matter

Green corridors give people safe, pleasant routes for walking and cycling, and they help wildlife move between habitats. Trees and plants also cool neighbourhoods during heatwaves, absorb rainwater that could otherwise cause flooding, and help improve air quality.

Fairer access to nature

Studies have shown that people in poorer neighbourhoods often have less access to good quality green space and fewer street trees. Improving green spaces in East Birmingham is seen as a way to tackle that gap and improve people's health.

Get involved

Friends of parks groups and conservation volunteers work in many green spaces along the Cole, and new volunteers are usually welcome.