FEEDING THE BIRDS IN THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Now that the winter is approaching you may wish to feed the birds in the Queslett Nature Reserve.. That is fine the birds do need help to survive the winter, but please remember some importatnt things.
Do not feed the birds in the late afternoon of after dusk. The birds will not eat at this time and left over food will encourage rats.
The best time to feed the birds is early in the morning and please do not leave to much food.
Feeding birds regularly is better than to leave a glut of food for them.
Do not leave food on foot paths.
Nuts in bags placed in trees is fine however there is also a chance that the squirrels will get there first and please remove the bags when you notice they are empty.

What foods should you provide?
High energy foods, various nuts and seeds.
Soaked bread (white or brown) – dry bread swells in the stomach.
Leftovers, e.g. cake, cooked rice etc. are fine, but no spicy or salty foods, or "gone off" foods.
Apples, cut in half and put the ground are excellent for blackbirds and robins.
You can also contact the RSPB for advice and don't forget to feed the birds in your garden to.

Please enjoy feeding the birds and remember to take care if you use the reserve in bad weather.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

TRAINING SESSION TAKES PLACE IN THE RESERVE

FQNR Activity day organisers (and a few members who just happened to be passing, were given an interesting training session on basic tool handing, by Senior Park rangers on Saturday.
Many different tools were looked an and simple tips were given on handing and maintaining them. There were also demonstrations given on basic safety techniques when working on a reserve.
Everyone agreed it was a useful experience.

NO SIGN OF NATURE RESERVE

It was recently pointed out to me that there was no sign telling any one where the Queslett Nature Reserve was. I checked and this is in fact correct. I then contacted the Highways department only to be told we do not do these signs for free and it would cost £300 to have one made and erected. "could the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve ( voluntary group) pay for one?"Well what a sorry state of affairs the Council seem to have got them selves. It would appear they can not even afford a information sign, giving directions to one of their own Nature Reserves.
After paying the Birmingham City Council to have a sign about the Queslett nature Reserve made (about 3 years ago) we have been told it may be ready to go in later this year.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

FENCING FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND.

The FQNR working closely with the Neighbourhood Police initiative and local Councillors were able to secure funding for the erection of more metal palisade fencing for the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground. Part of the Oscott School Lane boundary has now, as a result had fencing put up to help the security of local residents.

MORE MEMBERS ARE NEEDED.

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve (including the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground) are still looking for new members.
We need members who are keen to do things in a practical way for the Reserve and the local environment. It is all very well talking about improving things we try and do it.
There is no fee to join.

For more details please ring 360 6486

TRAINING TO TAKE PLACE

Senior members of the FQNR who regularly help out at activity days on site will be receiving basic tool handling training this Saturday. This is in order for the group to be able to work more independently inside the reserve in future.
The Committee has been in talk with senior Parks managers over the last few months in order for this to take place.

JOINT STATEMENT FQNR/ODG

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE
& OSCOTT DISABILITY GROUP

JOINT STATEMENT


CHAIR; FQNR CHAIR; ODG
COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR GEORGE HOUGH


It has been agreed by the committees of our groups that the FQNR and the ODG should endeavour to work closely together to try and insure where possible disabled members (and their supporters) are encouraged to enjoy out door activities. With this in mind it has been decided that the members of the ODG are given joint membership with the FQNR (and vice versa.)
This does not mean these groups are merging as the committee will remain independent of each other, but it is intended that more co-operation will be expected.

It is the aim of this joint venture to encourage
· More disabled people to enjoy activities in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
· Activities such as guided walks (where practical.)
· Improve access to the reserve.
· Encouraging activities such as general gardening type activities such as light pruning/ and planting on the reserve. (As agree by the committee’s: ref parks management)
· To ensure wild life is safe guarded.