WE NEED WILD LIFE HAVEN

Queslett Nature Reserve is just that. It is designated as a “Site of Importance for Nature Conservation”, (SINC) . Currently and under the guidance of Stephan Bodnar, Birmingham City Council’s Biodiversity Officer, we are attempting to keep the area includind a large lake, clean and free of litter including drinks cans and ASDA trolleys, discourage the use of motorcycles, open up and maintain natural pathways and encourage the growth and proliferation of native species of fauna and flora.

The Nature Reserve is becoming increasingly, an oasis in the face of more intense human development in the area including housing developments, more congested roads and expanding supermarkets. It is early days. The natural repopulation of this open space, a reclaimed quarry, is one of delicate balance. We see the Reserve as a quiet recreational facility which will be a legacy to future generations. Unfortunately, a skate board facility on this site is at odds with the aims and objectives of the Reserve.

Perhaps, such a facility could be incorporated into the Golf complex on Booths Lane? Also, any youngsters who are interested try the Trehurst Youth club where skateboard ramps are available.
.


Bob Wild

The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve

SAY NO TO A SKATE BOARD ON THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE.

Some bright spark has come up with the bright idea of putting a Skate Board arena proposed for the area on the Queslett Nature Reserve.
This would destroy all the hard work done by local residents and the FOQNR to improve the reserve. For over twelve months paths have been cleared, litter has been picked, trees and plants have been planted. Now some one who has taken no interest in the reserve what so ever has come up with this idea. I would also point out where it would be proposed to put the Arena would be a secluded spot, ideal for generating anti social behavior.

Clearly there is a need for youngsters in the area to have facilities for them to enjoy but surely they need to be in an environment where it would be safe and under some limited supervision. The obvious answer would be a park environment and Perry Barr Parks for fills that criteria.


R. Andrew

V. Chair FOQNR

SAVE OUR RESERVE FOR THE SAKE OF THE WILD LIFE

I was horrified when I learnt that there was a proposal to put a Skate Board Centre of the Queslett Nature Reserve. This must be the last thing any one who cared about the reserve would want. It is not even a good idea for youngsters as it is to off the beat on track.
Youngsters need a focal point where they can meet. That means good transport like buses.
The obvious place to put such a centre to me would be Perry Barr park.
we need to protect the reserv and its wild life not detroy it.

Mrs Cooke
Oscott Resident

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve Committee would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
We would also like to thank all those who took part in the various activities we held this year.

Finally we would like to thank all those un -song users of the reserve for taking care of the reserve in your own way.


Best wishes for Christmas.

From the FOQNR committee.


PS if you would like to know more about the FOQNR please ring 360 6486

FOQNR WEBB SITE ON THE HORIZON

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve hope to announce the introduction of its own web site in the New year. But rest assured this blog will carry on and there will be a link between the two.

I LOOK FORWARD TO DOING MY BIT FOR THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed working on the Queslett Nature Reserve ans part of the FOQNR.
The litter picking and clearance work we have carried out has I think made the reserve look so much better.
I hope our work will be carried on next year and I look forward to doing my bit.

B. Brookes Member FOQNR.

NOT A BAD YEAR FOR THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

It has not been a bad year for the Queslett nature Reserve or its frends.

New Tree and seed plantinting had been carried out. There have been litter picks on the Reserve and the Aldridge Road Recreation ground. Clearance work has been carried out. Bird and bat boxes have also been put up and there have been wild life walks on the reserve.

Every one involved desreves a big thank you.

A JEWEL THE CROWN

The Queslet Nature Reserve is one of the crown jewels of this area and should be treated accordingly. I may not be as young or as mobile as I once was but I make an effort to take a walk in the reserve as often as I can. Thanks to our Chair Councillor Keith Linnecor the Friend of the Queslett Nature Reserve has come on in leaps and bounds. Also no one can say that there has not been an improvement made to the reserve since our group started looking after it.

We have a small but dedicated membership and I hope that other will get involved and do their bit to help the wild life on the reserve. We need this reserve so let’s look after it.

M. Bryne
Friend of the Queslett Nature Reserve member.


Please keep the comments coming in
Editor

You can send your comments to me Via 30 Cavandale Avenue, Great Barr B44 9TW

NO SKATE BOARD CENTRE FOR THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

I have been approached by members of the public and by fellow members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve about rumours, that there is now consideration being given re, locating the proposed Skate Board Centre on the Queslett Nature Reserve. As far as I am aware there is no prospect of this happening, as the Skate Board Centre Option put forward by Councillor Barbara Dring (for it to go in Perry Barr Park on the Aldridge Road side) is still by far the best option and has the agreement of 2 of the Oscott Councillors and the 3 Perry Barr Councillors. I have Spoken to Councillor Ray Hassell, who is the Councillor with responsibility for Leisure Services, an he would also be unhappy if a skate board Centre was put on the reserve.I will continue to monitor this rumour.

Regards
Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FOQNR

SKATE BOARD CENTRE IS NOT WANTED IN THE RESERVE

DONT LET THEM RUIN OUR RESERVE

We are now entering what will be a quiet time of year for the FOQNR as we have no plans for any organised event until the beginning of January. This will give members a time to considerate on the festive season and their families.
This said however the reserve is still there to be enjoyed and will be particularly useful when you are trying to walk off those excess pounds put on over Christmas.

There is one danger lurking with regard to the reserve however! We must all be on guard against any possible attempts to locate a skate Board Centre there.
The current proposal to put a skate board centre in Perry Barr Park a park used for generation by Oscott residents (Aldridge Road end by the bus routes) as part of a revamped BMX track initiative are being rejected in some quarters and some fear other agendas may be in play.? WE ALL NEED TO KEEP AN EYE ON THIS ISSUE.

BIRD RINGING AND TREE PRUNING ON THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

A number of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and members of the public spent an interesting morning watching bird ringing taking place on the Queslett Nature Reserve today.Dozens of wild birds were caught identified and ringed. We were also given a talk on the wild life in the reserve.Later in the afternoon a number of FOQNR volunteers helped Council officers who were working on their day of to carry out tree pruning on the site.To all those who came along can I thank you very much and hope you enjoyed the events.

If you would liketo know more about the activities of the Friends of the Queslett Nature

Reserve please ring 360 6486

Some of the birds identified on the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday15th November.
WoodpigeonFeral,pigeon,Redwing (30+)Starling,Blackbird,Dunnock,Wren,Goldfinch,Greenfinch,Chaffinch,Meadow pipit,Goldcrest,Reed bunting,Lesser black backed gullBlack headeed gull,Kestrel,Carrion crow,JayJackdaw,Magpie,Great tit,Blue titLong tailed tit,House sparrow,Cormorant,Grey heron,Gadwall, 10 +Wigeon, 50+Tufted duck,Coot,MoorhenMute Swan, Mallard

Regards
Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

RESERVES ACTIVITY DAY IS GETTING CLOSER

Don't forget the Queslett Nature Reserve Activity day takes place this Saturday (15th Nov) at 9.30am when there will be a wild life walk and talk. This will be introduced by Dr Stephan Bodar (seen recently on Autumn Watch). This walk around the reserve will take approximately 2 hours. Following a brief break another hour and a half will be spent litter picking or carring out pruning work.
Don't forget to come prepared for the weather and wear sensible shoes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We would also recommend you bring a bottle of water with you?
The starting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance to the reserve.

If you would like more information or would like to join the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve please contact our Chairman Councillor Keith Linnecor Tel 360 6486.

DOG OWNERS PLEASE TAKE NOTE

Dog owners please use the bins provided

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve positively want dog owners and their pets to enjoy the Queslett Nature Reserve. It should be a place where owners and their dogs can relax and take exercise.
However the F.O.Q.N also want every one to enjoy the reserve, so we ask all dog owners to act responsibly. PLEASE TAKE ANY DOG MESS AWAY WITH YOU.

RESERVE UPDATE

THE FRIENDS OF
QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE
INCORPORATING THE ALDRIDGE RECREATION GROUND
CHAIR COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR
TEL 360 6486

F.O.Q.N.R NEWS IN BRIEF

F.O.Q.N.R GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

During the last 12 months there have been a number of sessions in the reserve where pruning and clearance work has been carried out under the supervision of Dr Stephan Bodar, the Councils Bio Diversity Officer.
During these sessions a number bushes, which have encroached paths have been cut back. The lake has had rubbish removed from it and clearance work near it, to allow more light to reach the lake has been carried out. There have also been a number of litter picking sessions including at the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.

New trees and bushes have been planted, mainly near the new fence along the Booths Lane and Ashworth Road Boundary. Wild life friendly, seed planting has also taken place at various locations within the reserve. There have also been bat and wild life walks organised on the site. A number of Bat, bird and Owl boxes have also been put up in the reserve.


NEW FENCE ERRECTED.
Following years of complaints about the state of the Ashworth Road Boundary fence and gate the Leisure Services department decided to replace them with a new one. This fence was put up at the same location as the old one. There has been some minor vandalism to this fence unfortunately, but the Parks department have agreed to replace the damaged section.

NO CHARGE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE F.O.Q.N.R
Plans to charge for membership of the FOQNR have been rejected. The enthusiasm and commitment to the environment and the Reserve is the main requirement of members. The FOQNR is an organisation for those who really care and want to help the reserve and the environment. However contributions towards helping the FOQNR look after the reserve are more than welcome.

If you want to be considered for membership of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve or want to find out more about the FOQNR please contact me -360 6486

Yours sincerely
Councillor Keith Linnecor

Vice Chairs- Bob Wild & Roy Andrew

NEW DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve are having a double event day on the 15th November.

WILD LIFE WALK
Starting at 9.30am there will be a "Wild life walk" taking place in the reserve. This will start from the Ashworth entrance and will take about 1 and a half hours. All are welcome (Children must be supervised by an adult)
This will a time to find out about the wild life in the Queslett Nature Reserve and it will entail a leisurely walk around the reserve. Please come dressed for the weather and have on sensible shoes or boots as it may be a bit muddy.

ACTIVITY SESSION
At approx 12pm volunteers from the FOQNR will be carrying out site clearance work and litter picking. (This work will be supervised by a Representative from the Birmingham City Council and will take about an hour and a half.

If you are interested in either event please contact our Chair
Councillor Keith Linnecor on 360 6486

FOQNR IN ACTION

Members of the Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve spent a busy Saturday morning (18th) Oct putting up a number of Birdboxes in the reserve and also litter picking the sit, to help keep it clean.

We would also like to thank the Birmingham City Councils Bio Diversity officer and his colleagues who came along to help (in their own time)

WE WANT TO SEE OWLS ON THE RESERVE

Members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve took ownership of a number of Bird Boxes today. Brenda Wilson Secretary of the FOQNR (seen above holding Mr Booth the reserve Mascot said " we were all delighted to have received these bird boxes today. We are especially pleased to have new Tawny Owl boxes which we are looking forward to erecting on trees in the reserve".

The FOQNR members would very much like to encourage Tawny owls to nest on the site and hope these boxes may help them do this. Owls are not only beautiful creatures but they can also help keep down the number of mice and rats in the area.

DONT RIDE MOTOR BIKES IN THE RESERVE

The illegal use of Motor bikes,quad bikes and so on is on the increase again, in the Queslett Nature Reserve. The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve would appeal to those doing this to stop.
You are churning up paths, disturbing the wild life and it is only a matter of time until an accident occurs.
We have asked the Parks department and the Police to be on the look out for offenders and would ask any one seeing a bike being driven on the reserve, to contact the Police.

Please keep our reserve a haven for wildlife and a peaceful place for those using the reserve.

OWL,BIRD AND BAT BOXES

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve will be putting up Owl, Bird and Bat boxes on October 18th. This is intended to compliment those put up earlier in the year and it is hoped that they will be established in the spring.
The FOQNR are also hoping to have a litter picking session at the same time and to begin pruning work later this year in the reserve.
If you would like more information about the FOQNR or 464 1869 please ring 360 6486


Mr Booth

FREINDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE NEW BLOG

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve (FOQNR) have now set up this new blog and we hope you will enjoy reading it.
Councillor Keith Linnecor our Chair and a founder member has been keeping the seat warm by putting a number of bits and pieces about the FOQNR on his own blog (see Councillor Keith Linnecor Blog http://keithlinnecor.blogspot.com/ ) and he will continue to do so.
However we now have our very own blog. We also expect to have a FOQNR Webb at some stage.




If you would like to know about the FOQNR or would like to put something onto our blog please ring 360 6486.

Mr Booth