For the fourth time this year, travellers have set up an illegal encampment at Sheldon Country Park in Birmingham, prompting immediate calls for eviction from local officials. A convoy of caravans was seen entering the park off Horseshoes Lane on Wednesday, July 22, leaving residents frustrated and concerned.
Council informed as eviction process begins
Councillor Darren Colling confirmed he had contacted Birmingham City Council officers to initiate eviction proceedings. The encampment coincides with the first week of the school holidays, raising worries about park access for families. The Friends of Sheldon Country Park group posted on Facebook: "Travellers have once again this year unlawfully broken into Sheldon Country Park."
Park entrance remains open for maintenance
Despite calls to block the Horseshoe Lane entrance, the group rejected the idea as it is used by grounds maintenance staff for grass cutting and bin emptying. The council reiterated its stance on illegal encampments, stating: "Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it. The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community – which is in line with Government policy – and details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website."
Sheldon Country Park: A 300-acre community asset
Sheldon Country Park spans 300 acres and includes grassland, wetland, old hedgerows, and mature woodland. It features the restored Old Rectory Farm, a 17th-century former dairy farm now run by Park Rangers on behalf of the council. The farm is free and open year-round, housing Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, geese, and ponies, alongside organised public activities.
