 Serene isn't the word... 
There Really Are Foxes Here!
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Recommendation added: 07/07/2006 10:40
By: dewberry (YSUK rating +1061)dewberry has been thanked 5 times for this contribution
"One of the prettiest parks in Birmingham is, I think, Fox Hollies Park which is located in the Acocks Green area.
One of the main attractions of Fox Hollies for me is the stream which runs through the park; the water is always surprisingly clear and is deep enough to spot the odd small fish battling against the current. The edges of the stream are fantastic for the kids to have a paddle in the warm weather, although do keep an eye on them as the stream bed is very slippery.
Staying on the subject of water, there�s a large pool which contains a multitude of different species of fish and you�re welcome to bring your fishing rod to see what you can catch. There are notices requesting that you throw the fish back after weighing them in an attempt to keep the stocks at a healthy level. My partner likes to fish and regularly comes here, the atmosphere is always nice near the pool as it seems to be the place where dads bring their kids to teach them to fish and there�s a real family feel. Incidentally, it was at Fox Hollies Park where my nine year old caught her very first fish back in 2004 � she was chuffed to bits!
Another plus point about this park, as far as the kids are concerned, are the two large play areas, one at each end of the park. Monkey bars, slide, tyre swings, a fireman�s pole and many other fun pieces of equipment are provided for children of all ages. The areas are safely fenced off with that soft and spongy flooring so if your little one falls over (or off something!) there�s less chance of broken bones and other injuries. In the summer there�s usually an ice cream van parked up near the Gospel Lane play area � he�s actually there in the winter too but this smacks too much of desperation to me as I refuse to buy ice cream in the rain!
The park itself is beautiful. Various attempts to spruce it up over the years have succeeded and over 3000 new tress have been planted during the last couple of decades. This makes for some fantastic woodland areas to explore, and the new trees mingle beautifully with the older mature trees giving a real sense of ecological well being. In particular the Millennium Woodland is gorgeous; it was planted by school children in 2000 and looks absolutely stunning in the summer when the trees are green and plant life on the woodland floor is thriving. Fox Hollies has one of those woodlands which is largely left untended, meaning that when trees fall they�ll be left there providing they�re not causing a safety hazard.
There�s lots of lush green grass in the park, making it the perfect place for a picnic. One section of the park is used for ball games, but as you walk further into the centre of the 40 acres you�ll find some very pretty spots to eat your lunch. Some parts have wooden benches to sit on, but there aren�t many of these so we tend to sit on the grass and have a �proper� picnic.
Walking around the park is lovely. It�s pretty level which means there aren�t many hills and slopes to struggle with, and this is great because you can take a nice leisurely stroll rather than getting all hot and bothered. There�s something to see at each stage of your walk too; as you get further into the park you�ll find some beautiful wild flowers and there�s plenty of wildlife to be seen including birds, insects, trillions of bumble bees and even the odd kingfisher near the pond. My nature mad nine year old always brings a notepad and pencil when we visit Fox Hollies so she can jot down the details of any creature she�s spotted � her dad�s on a promise to take her at night as the park ranger informed up last week that a group of foxes can be seen playing near the stream most nights.
Also, look out for the ancient Bronze Age burnt mound which has been found here. This is a hill in the otherwise flat expanse of grass and there�s some debate about whether it�s one of the first examples of a sauna � or it could simply be a kitchen, they�re not sure. It�s pretty though, whatever it is!
There are a few shops near the park so if your supplies need topping up (or you fancy a few beers with your picnic) then it�s only a short walk to the nearby mini market and off licence. There are also a couple of pubs within walking distance and this is a nice way to finish off your day.
The park is accessible to disabled visitors, with paths and walkways being well maintained and smooth enough for a wheelchair or pushchair. The wooded area isn�t so well paved in order to keep it as natural as possible, but you should be able to get some way in if you don�t mind turning back once the undergrowth gets too much to manage.
The easiest way to get to Fox Hollies Park by car is through the Solihull area. Simply get into the Solihull Town Centre and follow the A41 Warwick Road which is signposted Acocks Green. Follow this road until it bears left on Dolphin Lane, turn left onto Olton Boulevard East (B4514) and left again down Gospel Lane. One of the park entrances is on this road and it has a large well maintained car park � not a single pot hole, which is a miracle in Birmingham parks!
There are plenty of buses from the City Centre, most of which can be caught at either the New Street or Corporation Street lines of bus stops. I�d probably suggest catching the 31 and getting off at The Mermaid pub (the driver will tell you when you get here). From here it�s a five minute straight walk to the park. Easy.
Fox Hollies Park
Gospel Lane
Acocks Green
Birmingham
B27 7EG
Tel: 0121 464 8728 (Ranger service)"
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