It has been a very busy summer for the Erratic Boulders project team and our keen volunteers. This is followed by an equally busy September.  We do hope that you can join us at one of our upcoming events.

Hello/ Goodbye

At the end of July we said “Goodbye” to Project Manager, Val Turner.  Val has worked on the project since the start and been key in raising the profile of the boulders and building momentum to get the project started.

Val is replaced by Beth Andrews, who previously worked on the Ice Age Ponds of Herefordshire project.  “I am really excited to explore this new area and work on this exciting and busy project”.

Events

We had a fantastic time at Frankley Carnival and got to meet lots of fantastic people and we saw some fantastic painted pebbles created by visitors to the stand.

This was followed by the launch of Trail 2: The Lewis Barrow Trail around Cotteridge and Bournville.  We had lots of interesting chats with visitors to our stand and the guided walks were very popular.  Don’t forget you can visit our website: erraticsproject.org and download all the trail guides we have launched so far.

Our fabulous volunteers had a tiring and busy day cleaning and moving some of the boulders found in the grounds of Selly Manor Museum.  These feature on the route of Trail 2, and thanks to the volunteer efforts are now in pride of place, visible both to walkers and visitors to the museum.

Throughout the last few months lots of our volunteers have been doing wonderful trail testing both by bike and on foot.  Their efforts ensure that our routes, words and maps all work together and making our leaflets and launches a success.  Thank you so much to all involved with this task – it might be behind the scenes but it makes a huge difference to the finished product.

Upcoming Activities

Our volunteers have been working quietly in the background to bring together an exciting temporary exhibition to be held at Lapworth Museum this Autumn.  This provides a chance to share the history of their formation to the discovery during the Victorian Era and their re-discovery through the project.  It is also a chance to display some of the fantastic artwork that has been created so far, and our plans for the project over the next 12 months.  The exhibition runs from early September to end November.

In advance of our exhibition there is a free Ice Age Explorers Family Fun Day at Lapworth Museum at Birmingham University on Wednesday 24th August. Come along and discover all about the Ice Age and its erratic boulders through talks, crafts and colouring.  For more details and how to get to the museum visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/lapworth-museum/events/activities.aspx

Bournville Heritage Open Day

We will be at Rowheath Pavillion on Saturday 10th September as part of the Bournville Heritage Open Days.  Do come along and explore this area and have a chat to find out more about our project.

Launch of Trail 7 – Boulders by Bike

As part of Birmingham Heritage Week, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Trail 7 – Boulders by Bike trail.  We are having a guided cycle ride along this 14 mile route around South Birmingham, to take in some wonderful boulders.  This circular route starts at Cannon Hill Park, on Sunday 11th September at 10.00 am.  For more details and to book at place on the ride please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/boulders-by-bike-guided-cycle-ride-tickets-400698137917

We will also have our stand in the park from 10.00 am – 3.00pm, so if you would like to come and chat to us and find out what is happening come and find us by the large boulder half-way along the east side of the boating lake in Cannon Hill Park.  Grid reference SP 06560 83715.  What3words: /// miss.hint.solar.

To keep up to date with all of our activities please follow us: @erraticsproject

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

Beth, Zoë and the Erratic Boulders Team

Thanks to National Lottery players.