Travellers Establish Fifth Encampment This Year at Birmingham Park, Council Pledges Unmet
Despite promises of preventative measures, Beaufort Park has been repeatedly targeted by illegal encampments, leaving residents frustrated and the park damaged.
Travellers have set up an encampment at Beaufort Park in east Birmingham for the fifth time this year, smashing through locks to gain access. The group arrived on Wednesday afternoon with nearly a dozen caravans and cars, parking on a former tennis court. The incident comes weeks after Birmingham City Council allegedly pledged to implement measures to prevent illegal encampments at the park.
Residents have expressed frustration over the recurring issue, which they say has made the park unusable. Laila Iqbal, a resident living near the park, described the situation as a "right nuisance," noting that encampments occur almost monthly. She highlighted that during previous stays, travellers have driven across the grass, causing damage, and left litter strewn across the park. Animals, including horses and unrestrained dogs, have also been present.
According to councillor Majid Mahmood, who represents the Bromford and Hodge Hill ward, Beaufort Park was designated a 'Priority 1' location for crackdowns on illegal encampments during a council budget meeting in February. However, he stated that "very little - even nothing - has been done" to deter further encampments. Mahmood explained that the cycle of encampments leads to damage to park amenities, including locks and turf, and in some cases, damage to trees planted by local volunteers. He also noted that the cost of cleaning up the mess is ultimately borne by taxpayers.
Birmingham has experienced a significant increase in unauthorized encampments. Data from the local council indicates that during 2025-26, there were 132 unauthorized camps involving 2,280 caravans set up in the city. This represents a 43% increase in encampments and a 75% increase in caravans compared to the previous year. In July alone, reports suggested approximately seven encampments were present across the city.
The recurring issue at Beaufort Park is part of a broader trend across the country, where travellers have been known to establish encampments during long weekends, sometimes known as 'Bank Holiday land grabs', and subsequently apply for retrospective planning permission. In other parts of the UK, similar incidents have involved bulldozing wildlife spots, illegally building homes near sensitive sites like nuclear facilities, and establishing camps in a rapid, 'military-style' fashion.