What to Expect During the Highbury Gardens Restoration

Highbury Gardens is undergoing an exciting programme of restoration to protect its historic landscape, improve habitats for wildlife and create a more accessible park for everyone to enjoy.

Over the course of the project, you may notice that some areas look different from what you’re used to. We know change can sometimes be surprising, so here’s what you can expect while work is underway.

Parts of the gardens may appear untidy, noisy or unfinished at times. This is a normal part of the restoration process. Temporary fencing, machinery, power tools and muddy areas will sometimes be visible as drainage, paths, planting and historic features are restored.
Some areas will be temporarily closed to keep visitors safe. Alternative routes will be available wherever possible, and we’ll reopen areas as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Tree & Vegetation Management

As part of the project, around 37 trees and some shrubs are being removed with permission from Birmingham City Council. These are trees that are invasive, unsafe, inappropriate for their location or causing damage to the park’s historic landscape, drainage or biodiversity.

Although this can look dramatic, every decision has been guided by ecological surveys, heritage advice and long-term restoration plans. New trees and planting will help create healthier habitats and restore the historic character of the gardens.

Protecting Wildlife

Looking after wildlife is a key part of the project. An ecologist regularly monitors the site, and work is carefully planned to avoid disturbing nesting birds and other protected species. As restoration progresses, we’ll continue to improve habitats by removing invasive species, restoring wetlands and introducing the right plants in the right places.

Restoring Highbury’s Heritage

This project is about much more than maintenance. We’re restoring historic views, repairing important landscape features, improving drainage, protecting heritage structures and making the gardens more accessible so they can be enjoyed by future generations. The work is helping address the issues that led to Highbury Gardens being placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

The Handkerchief Tree

Many visitors have asked about the handkerchief tree in the Italian Garden, and we completely understand why it means so much to people.
Unfortunately, the tree’s roots are damaging the original historic fountain stonework, which is a protected heritage feature. As the tree continues to grow, the damage will increase and would also affect the new accessible path planned for the garden.

There is no Tree Preservation Order on the tree, and Birmingham City Council has formally approved its removal as part of the wider restoration project. While we explored the options, the tree is now too large to be safely relocated.

We know this will be disappointing for many visitors. To ensure the tree remains part of Highbury’s future, we will be planting a new handkerchief tree elsewhere in the gardens.

We’d also like the community to help decide where it should go. If you’d like to be involved in choosing the new location, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us.

Looking Ahead

This restoration project will continue over the next few years, with the most intensive contractor-led work expected to finish by Autumn 2027. While there will be some short-term disruption, the result will be healthier habitats, restored historic gardens, improved accessibility and a landscape that can be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.

Thank you for your patience and support as we restore Highbury Gardens for the future.

Get in Touch

If you would like to get involved to help us, make a suggestion, or ask a question please click the link below to get in touch.

Highbury Hall
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.