Literally just around the corner from us at The Mailbox are the Peace Gardens at Granville Street and Holloway Head. These are a real find, behind the ruins of St Thomas's Church, which was destroyed during World War II. I'm told the gardens were laid out in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.
 A large Portland stone monument overlooks the gardens and placed on it are plaques with messages of peace from various religions and countries. When the world leaders came to Birmingham for the G8 summit in 1998, each planted a tree here. Each chose a tree that most represented their respective countries and they are now a living symbol of peace. It really is quite a beautiful little place in the heart of the city. Walking back towards The Mailbox I went along the canal network towards Brindleyplace. There are all kinds of activities on the canals, including walking trails and narrow boat trips.
 I saw a group of children in rowing boats. The Birmingham and Black Country Canal network is quite vast and takes you out to some beautiful spots not far from the city centre. If you'd like to find out more pop into the British Waterways Canal Information Centre in Gas Street Basin. My next stop was The National Sea Life Centre just across the water from the National Indoor Arena. The centre is home to more than 3,000 creatures including giant stingrays and otters - a real nature find! The exhibits tell the story of the River Severn's journey from source to sea. My favourites were the extensive collection of sea horses, ranging from Big Bellies to Spiny, and the otter sanctuary, home to Asian short clawed otters Jerry and Poppy. It was great to see the otters foraging for their food and swimming and playing underwater in the special viewing tank. Down in the deepest part of the centre is the walk-through water tunnel where sharks, stingrays and turtles swim above, around and even underneath you! It reminded me of my diving expeditions! Walking along the canal towards the Jewellery Quarter, I saw the City Centre Gardens behind the Repertory Theatre. These gardens, formerly a payand-display car park, provide a pleasant, tranquil green space close to the heart of the city. St Paul's Church, set in St Paul's Square, has been extensively renovated in the last few years. It's the only remaining Georgian square in Birmingham. Reverend Tom Pyke started off a book listing wildlife sightings around the church and its grounds. It's an interesting read. Whilst I sat on the bench I saw two squirrels, a blackbird, sparrows and pigeons. I also hear that there's a Peregrine falcon living in the BT Tower! Who says what other natural delights I could have seen if I'd stayed a little longer! Countryfile is on BBC ONE, Sundays at around 11am Log onto www.beinbirmingham.com to find out more about the places that Ben visited on his city centre walk. | 
