Green Heart - The University of Birmiingham - Edgbaston, Birmingham, U.K. - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

The Green Heart is at the centre of the Edgbaston campus of the University of Birmingham.

The area is intended for everyone not just the staff and students of the university but also the local community and can be freely accessed via the university's North Gate on Pritchatts Road.

This space was opened up by the demolition of the university's former main library and runs between the North Gate on Pritchatts Road and the University Square which has also be integral part of the scheme.

One of the interesting 'green features' of the scheme is the Pavegen section of the Green Heat Bridge. This is a specially designed paving area on the Green Heart Bridge close to the Muirhead Tower. 'As you walk across the Pavegen system, the weight from your footsteps compress electromagnetic generators below, producing 2 to 4 joules of off grid electrical energy per step.' (visit link)

'Each footstep generates between 2 to 4 joules of off-grid electricity, or up 7 watts of continuous power per person as they walk across a Pavegen walkway.

What this means in reality?
- 144 steps = 1 metre of Nissan Leaf
- 1 x step = 1 x 3 watt LED light bulb for 1 second
- 1 step = 6 seconds' talk-time on an iPhone8

So where does the power go? This power generated will power the USB ports throughout the Green Heart which are located on the majority of the benches throughout the space. Pavegen anticipate that based on the length of the walkway and an expected daily footfall of 4,000 people, that the paving will generate 17 watt-hours per day. This is sufficient power to charge up to three smartphones per day.

Another note worth mentioning is that the power generated from the paving can store energy for when there is no footfall. This means that if you are charging or powering a laptop/phone the power will not suddenly stop if there are no pedestrians on that specific area.

This Pavegen system offers an eco-friendly solution to our ever-growing need for electronic devices and is an exciting new feature on the Green Heart. If you haven’t already, come and take a closer look and generate some power of your own.' (visit link)

A short video tour of The Green Heart can be found at the following link: (visit link)

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 12 acres Is there a trail system?: No What points of interest are there?: More than 300 trees are contained in the area. 160 of these are new since the start of the scheme. Biodiversity with lots of different types of planting offering different habitats for wildlife and for fauna. Nesting sites have been provided to attract bats, swifts & hedgehogs. Raised curbs for white-stick users accessing the area. Disabled access straight-through from the North Gate to the Aston Webb Building. Grassed amphitheatre consisting of a series of steps rising up towards the North Gate. Has spaces for entertainment socialising & study. Under the Bridge is a cafe for refreshments Many seating areas. Pavegen area of the Green Heat Bridge is a novel green energy system. Phone charging points on some of the seating in the area using the electricity generated by the Pavegen area. Free Wi-Fi throughout the area. The university heraldic shields removed from the old library. What activities are available?: Live entertainment when performances are being given using the amphitheatre. Socialising and studying outside using the free Wi-Fi Hours of accessibility?: Daylight hours List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): There are no hazards. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Not listed If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   06/19/2019 Poole/Freeman visited it