An absolutely fantastic Spring Walk around Handsworth Park yesterday led by tree expert Jim from the BCC Park Ranger Service. His wealth of knowledge about the trees, and their ecological and historical context in the park  was hugely informative and inspiring. In fact he was so good that we are hoping to get him back again for our Summer Walk in August, date tbc. Photo of Jim and volunteer Aron taken by Claudette Holmes.

It’s a shame these two boys tried to vandalise the willow egg sculpture yesterday late afternoon  – here they are caught on CCTV:
However fresh willow is incredibly resilient and flexible, & although it looked completely flattened when I discovered it today, with a bit of pushing and pulling it soon resumed its former elliptical glory. What an amazing material! Here it is, restored today:

Score: Cosmic Egg: 1  Vandals: 0

April 21st  11am-1.pm
Come and join us for a ranger led spring walk around Handsworth Park  with Birmingham Park Ranger Beth Ashley, who will be identifying trees and plants in the park, as well as answering any questions you might have  for her. Meet at 11.am by the  giant willow egg ,next to the Boathase Cafe

Undeterred by April  showers, artist Ildiko Wu Wei Nagy  constructed this  wonderful egg structure today – an organic willow sculpture representing Spring – while passers by stopped to lend a hand

A lovely start to Handsworth Revolutions Celebrating the Cycle of the Seasons, on the first day of Spring, with busy  crafts sessions at Sons of Rest (see gallery for more pics) , followed by a walk around the park to collect spring flowers with my friend Claudette, to press in preparation for  picture making