Throughout July, Birmingham has seen a series of unauthorised traveller encampments across various parks, a recurring topic in recent summers. These encampments often involve caravans accompanied by horses and mini bikes, impacting local communities and park activities.
Several parks have experienced multiple such encampments within weeks, leading to the cancellation of community events including park runs and midsummer celebrations. In June alone, six encampments were reported across the city, one of which was described as Birmingham’s largest ever.
Birmingham City Council had previously piloted a scheme to reduce unauthorised encampments by permitting short-term stays for the travelling community on unused council land. However, the plan was discontinued after months of searching failed to identify enough suitable sites.
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Meanwhile, in neighbouring Solihull, councillors have approved the conversion of land near Box Trees Road in Dorridge into a dedicated travellers’ site.
Below is a summary of the unauthorised encampments in Birmingham during July:
West Heath Residents expressed concerns about safety after travellers returned to Parkdale Park, near Longbridge Lane. The group set up near a basketball court, close to Albert Bradbeer Primary School. Locals reported incidents of stone-throwing and alleged thefts, leading some to describe feeling “living in fear”.
Stockland Green In the first week of July, approximately 40 caravans and vehicles arrived at Witton Lakes. Images showed washing lines and horses on the grass. Councillor Aman Khan highlighted issues including parked cars within the park, animals present, and waste left behind, noting that a cleanup crew would be needed.
“They have clothes out, cars parked inside the park and driving them around. They’ve got animals, horses, dogs and faeces everywhere. We are going to have to get a crew out to clean it up.” – Cllr Aman Khan
Yardley Over the weekend of 18–19 July, a significant number of caravans accessed Oaklands Recreation Ground. Councillor Baz Baber confirmed council notification and steps being taken to evict the group, which reportedly also included horses.
Sheldon On 22 July, travellers established an encampment at Sheldon Country Park, marking the fourth such occurrence this year at the location. The Friends of Sheldon Country Park noted the unlawful entry but declined calls to restrict access at Horseshoe Lane, which is essential for park maintenance.
Kings Norton Travellers returned to Kings Norton Park on 24 July, just over a month after a previous encampment. Nine white caravans, several vehicles, a horsebox, and a horse were present.
Kings Heath On 25 July, motorhomes and caravans were spotted at Swanshurst Park near a children’s play area. This followed a prior encampment in June. Friends of Swanshurst Park reported the situation to authorities for eviction. Councillors coordinated with the city council regarding a thorough cleanup ahead of a two-week funfair starting 31 July and are considering preventive measures such as extending knee-rails, digging ditches, and raising mounds.
West Heath (Second Incident) Travellers returned to West Heath Park, off Oddingley Road, on 29 July. Reports indicated pedestrian pathways were blocked by mobile homes, and litter was left scattered from the last stay.
The number of unauthorised encampments has risen markedly in recent years. In 2025/2026, Birmingham City Council dealt with 132 encampments involving 2,280 caravans-an increase of 43% in encampments and 75% in caravans compared with the previous year.
The council has reopened the Proctor Street transit site to provide managed accommodation for travellers. A new West Midlands-wide consultation on traveller site provision is expected later this year following the discontinuation of the pilot programme.
Birmingham City Council affirmed its commitment to protecting land from unauthorised use and stated it has available transit sites aligned with Government policy. Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, updated in 2019, are available on the council’s website.