A brief history
1840
Below is a land use map from 1840 that marks the beginnings of the woods as a plantation in an area of open fields and large estates. It shows the course of the river before it was straightened and the arm to the mill pool cut off. An old claypit has been filled in, probably with building debris from either demolition of the prefabs or outside toilets on a nearby housing estate. Locally this is remembered as Donkey’s Hollow.
An article with greater historical detail on 'The People and Places of Moor Green’ can be found on the Moseley Society website.
Brockley Grove
The woods were for some time part of the grounds of Moor Green House that was demolished long ago. Close by is Brockley Grove, where there used to be 60 prefabs, built for people whose homes had been destroyed in the 2nd World War. These were cleared in the early 1970s leaving open ground that is now covered with young trees. Look carefully and you may see garden plants such as apple trees, roses and lupins!
Holders Woods Conservation is planning to do some clearing so the history of Brockley Grove is not completely lost. The meadow area has been reclaimed and re-established and is actively maintained by our volunteers to increase the diversity of habitats in the area.
The map below shows where the prefabs were on Brockley Grove. We have some photos from a newspaper article of the residents celebrating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Sadly we haven’t been able to find any pictures of the prefabs themselves. Once the prefabs were demolished in the early 1970’s the land was colonized by young trees and bushes. We would love more information about Brockley Grove, do get in touch if you have any to share.
