People who live in and around Birmingham were invited by the Taskforce for Lung Health to name their favourite city location where they can enjoy their own breathing space as part of an awareness campaign around lung health.

The winning spot, with 28% of the vote, was Winterbourne House & Gardens, a unique heritage site and botanic garden on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus. This was followed by city locations Cannon Hill Park (17%), Birmingham Botanical Gardens (15%), canal-side at Mailbox (6%), and Birmingham Library.

Each venue has been awarded a celebratory plaque and included in a brand new illustrated map, designed by local illustrator Katherine Tromans, which residents are encouraged to use to explore their city in a brand-new way this summer.

The map, which also features other popular open spaces around the city, highlights the main walking routes – and related step counts - between each of the top five breathing spaces.

Henry Gregg, Chair of the Taskforce for Lung Health, a collaboration of over 40 different charities and organisations aiming to improve the nation’s lung health, said:

“We’re encouraging people in Birmingham to use our new city map to visit the top breathing spaces and reflect on the importance of taking a breath and the feeling of being able to breathe freely.

“We know the simple act of breathing can be a real challenge for the 1 in 5 people in the UK diagnosed with a lung condition, and action must be taken to help improve the treatment, care and quality of life for every person affected.”

Rachael Colclough, a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist from Birmingham and Chair of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC), a Taskforce member, said:

“Everyone can feel breathless at times, and it is a normal reaction after being active. Yet for those with a lung condition, shortness of breath may come on suddenly, feel very uncomfortable and make it hard to carry out daily tasks.

“Taking the time to focus on and control your breathing can really help to reduce feelings of breathlessness. It’s so important to increase general awareness of lung health so everyone feels able to take steps to look after their lungs and seek help when experiencing persistent symptoms.”

Councillor Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“This initiative really emphasises the importance of having space to breathe and having clean air. Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in the country but there is always more to do and all communities need breathing spaces and clean air.

“This is why we are providing infrastructure to support people getting out of cars and using active travel whether it be by walking, cycling or scooting, as well as the introduction of our Clean Air Zone last year which is already having a positive effect in terms of pollution reduction.”

The ‘Take a Breath’ campaign first launched in Birmingham in July 2021 and following its success, the Taskforce have undertaken more local activity in the city to help build the public’s understanding of lung disease and the importance of good lung health.

To download a copy of the Taskforce city map, visit the ‘Take a Breath’ campaign page, https://www.blf.org.uk/taskforce-for-lung-health/take-a-breath and then share your visit to the breathing spaces on social media using the hashtag #BreatheInBrum.