Nature Features

If you see a large group of office workers winding their way along the Birmingham Canal on a Tuesday lunchtime, someone occasionally pointing to the sky or to the water – then you've bumped into one of the RSPB 'health' walks.

Walkers in Birmingham

The RSPB's Birmingham Team started the city centre walks in the New Year.

They were meant to run for just a few weeks, but have proved so popular that they look set to continue through the spring and into the summer.

The RSPB has had success with health walks on reserves such as Sandwell Valley – so wanted to see if city workers in Birmingham would be interested in a short walk to get them away from their desks - with the added bonus of seeing some of the city's wildlife.

A stroll along the canal

A stress-less half hour

Jess Fannon from the RSPB who organises the walks said: "We know that the combination of getting some exercise outdoors, meeting new people and seeing wildlife appeals to many people.

"So we decided to give it a go right here in Birmingham, and although you will struggle to find much green space within the ring roads, following the network of canals in Birmingham is a great way to get away from the bustle and noise of the city — and you are pretty much guaranteed to see some wildlife."

The walks are just half an hour and cover a different route each week. They are planned so city centre workers with short lunch breaks who are keen to get out and about can take advantage of them.

Between 25 to 30 walkers usually turned up. Some have taken part each week since it launched, while new people come along each week.

People walking along the canal

A local celebrity

Sightings include the usual suspects: mallards, Canada geese, magpies etc — and if lucky, one of the city's peregrine falcons (the fastest animal on earth!)

Walkers have also seen Birmingham's most handsome duck, a wood duck from America which has become a bit of a local celebrity.

Find out more

• Walks take place each Tuesday from 1:15 to 1:45 and start from Victoria Square (by the statue of Queen Victoria).
  
  
• For more information about the walks call 0121 616 6850 or email Jessica Fannon.