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Billesley Common

51 ha

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifePlay
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome51 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦58+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Mallard and Grey Heron
  • ☀️Summer family visits work well here — arrive early and plan for a longer stay
  • 🛝Playground 182m away — built-in entertainment for younger visitors alongside the wider site

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
ParkingPlayground

Best for

10 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Mallard, Grey Heron, Jackdaw +55 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland — woodpeckers, warblers and woodland birds

Free

Wildlife

Mammals — Grey Squirrel, Red Fox, Wood Mouse +11 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland priority habitat

Free

Playgrounds

playground, parking

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Common Carder Bee, Western Honey Bee, Buff-tailed Bumblebee +104 more · last seen 2026

Free

Family friendly

playground; Urban park — family destination

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

14 signed routes nearby · 10 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Grand Union Canal WalkWalking route234 km

Birmingham to Napton section

Named routeLength 234 kmRegional walking route
Balsall Heath Tree Trail EastWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Balsall Heath Tree Trail WestWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Rail Trail: Olton > ShirleyWalking route12.5 km

An 8-mile longer meander along the banks of the Grand Union Canal and the River Cole, through the heart of Tolkein Country! Duration: 3.5 hours Distance: 8 miles

Named routeRef rtOltLength 12.5 kmPoint-to-pointLocal walking route
Rail Trail: Shirley > The LakesWalking route8 km

A 3-mile trail following the towpath along the Stratford-upon-Avon canal, across Christmas tree plantations, farmland and forests to reach Earlswood Lakes. Duration: 3 hours Distance: 5 miles

Named routeRef rtShiLength 8 kmPoint-to-pointLocal walking route
🚴

Cycling

52 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Route 55Cycling route
Named routeRef 55Regional cycle route
Birmingham Local Cycle NetworkCycling route

Birmingham Local Cycle Network

Named routeLocal cycle route
National Cycle Network Route 5Cycling route
Named routeRef 5National Cycle Network
Cole Valley RouteCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Billesley & Shire Country Park CircularCycling route
Named routeRef 4Local cycle route
Bourn Brook WalkwayCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

Children's Play Area on Billesley Common

Children's Play Area on Billesley Common

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