We named our series of public walks the "Erratics" after the glacial boulders that were deposited across South Birmingham in the ice age. For our first Erratic of 2022 we thought we'd visit some of these boulders to pay tribute. The rocks cover more ground than we can in a single walk so we imagine this will be the first of many.
Originally formed in a volcanic eruption 450-460 million years ago, the boulders later travelled on an ice sheet from the Arenig mountains in North Wales to the West Midlands: a distance of nearly 100 miles. When the ice melted around 400,000 years ago, the boulders remained and can now be found dotted around the suburbs in parks, graveyards, roadside verges and hidden in walls and buildings.
The word "erratic" comes from the Latin errare meaning to wander, roam or stray. You may think the boulders have remained stationary since the glacier retreated but no, they're still on the move. Many have been dug up and moved for purposes of development and more still seem to have disappeared without a trace. Northfield's "Great Stone" has to be kept in a walled enclosure to ensure it stays put.
At Walkspace we feel a great kinship with these geological flâneurs but what other examples of "roaming heritage" might we discover on our walk? What other artefacts have travelled distances great and small to wash up on the alien shores of 21st Century suburbia? Join Andy and Robson for a journey into deep time and discover your own inner-erratic along the way.
Where? When?
Meet outside the Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park next to the little silver pyramid at 11am, Sunday 24th April. The walk will cover a distance of about 2.5 miles, lasting around 90 minutes and finishing at Selly Oak Park. The terrain will be pavement and grass with a couple of steep inclines. No need to book, just turn up. Except in the event of unceasing torrential rain, the walk will go ahead.
Any queries? Please email: andyhowlett@hotmail.com