HAPPY NEW YEAR

On behalf of the FQNR Committee I would like to thank all those who have taken an interest in the Queslett Nature Reserve over the last year.
We will be informing members and other interested parties of our activities next year on future posts.

Happy New year to everyone.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

DO NOT GO ON THE LAKE IN THE RESERVE IF IT FREEZES OVER

The lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve should be treated with caution at the best of times but in the winter even more so.
The lake is not suitable for swimming in, it is not treated and may have dangerous algae in it. Dogs should not really be encouraged to go in the lake for the same reason.
In the winter when if lake freezes over, it is sometimes tempting to try and stand on it. This can be dangerous even near the edge. One fall and a bad soaking could lead to all sorts of complications. KEEP OFF THE LAKE WHEN IT IS FROZEN.
It is far better and safer to just enjoy looking at the lake and its wild life on the lake from the safety of dry land..


Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

THE WEATHER IS INGNORED AS THE ACTIVITY DAY GOES AHEAD

I would just like to thank all those member who braved the weather and turned up on Saturday to help plant trees, prune bushes and litter pick. You all did a great job.
A number of Oak and Beech trees were planted and with any luck they will live to maturity and help replace many of the trees which are being lost though out the city. The litter in the reserve is now well under control and although more pruning work is needed many of the paths are well pruned back.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

FQNR ACTIVITY DAY

There will be an activity day event at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday 28th November.
Group members will meet at 11.30am at the Ashworth entrance .
We will be planting some small trees, doing some basic pruning work and litter picking.
As ever come prepared for the weather and in stout shoes.
Ring 360 6486 for any further details.

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.

A SUCESSFUL SITE MEETING TAKES PLACE

Thanks to our Chairman Councillor Keith Linnecor a site meeting on the Queslett Nature Reserve between senior Parks department officers and members of the FQNR took place yesterday.
We were on site for the whole morning and met up with Councillor Barbara Dring and a passing Police Officer. (yes the Police do patrol the Queslett Nature Reserve regularly).
There was an extensive tour of the site where many issues were raised and future work plans discussed. The officers were very impressed with the work the FQNR had done and gave permission for a number of other tasks to be carried out.
The Officers involved promised to go away and try and solve a number of problems which they were informed about. For example the state of the lake with all the life savings rings thrown in, the need for some large stumps to be removed and the grass cutting regime.
All in all it was a successful site meeting and time well spent.

PLEASE SAY NO TO FOOTBALL PITCHES ON THE RESERVE

I was very disappointed last week to hear at a meeting with the Police I attended an Oscott Councillor say that the Queslett Nature Reserve was not a reserve but an old land fill site where football pitches and a skate boards Centre should be put.
The Friends of the Reserve have for 2 years worked hard to improve this site and more and more different kinds of wild life are slowly appearing on it. It is a rest full place to be in and the thought of having football pitches, changing rooms and skate board centres horrifies me. Just think of the damage it would do to the reserve and the amount of problems regarding antisocial behavior it would bring. I am not anti children and a small kick about area for youngsters would be ok but not football pitches and so on.
There are enough football pitches in the area already surely. Just look at the Aldridge Recreation Ground which is 5 minutes away. Al;so I understand a top class brand new skate Board Centre is to be built on the Oscott side of Perry Barr Park just down the road and close to all the bus routes. No as a resident I do not want football pitches on the reserve.

FQNR Member and Local Resident.


If you have a letter about the Queslett Nature Reserve (or the Aldridge Recreation Ground) please send it to the FQNR C/o Mike Trevor, Perry Barr District Office , Bridge House College Road Perry Barr.

QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY

It was really good to see so many young people helping out at last weeks Queslett Nature Reserve Activity day. A number of students came along to help us prune path ways back, get rubbish out of the lake and litter pick.



We also manged to get some log benches put in place.
The Queslett Nature Reserve is slowly with the help of volunteers getting to look more like a Nature Reserve. Lets just hope now e are getting some where no one comes along and tries to ruin the good work the Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve are doing.





N. Quinn FQNR

NEW FENCING FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND

Representatives of the FOQNR met with their Chair (Councillor Keith Linnecor) and officers of the Birmingham Leisure Services Department on site at the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground last week. After viewing the site they helped with the discision where to put new steel fencing on the boundary. This funding will help secure a little more of these field for local residents and has been obtained from the Birmingham city Council.

NEW EQUIPMENT FOR THE FOQNR

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve have purchased a new strimmer, bow saws and garden implements to help with their work on the Queslett Nature Reserve. We have also acquired a shed kept on the land of one of our seniors member where this equipment along with other bits and pieces can be kept.

RESCHEDULED LITTER PICK ANNOUNCED

There will now be a litter pick and shrub clearance day on August the 6th at 10am. The meeting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance to the Queslett nature Reserve.

For those whho would like to do something alittle more active, shrub and bush clearing is to be undertaken under the supervision of the Birmingham City Council's Bio Diversity expert Stephan Bodnar. Tools willbe provided.

Please come prepared for the weather (it may be called off again should there be continued heavy rain at the time scheduled.)

For further details please ring 464 1869 or 360 6486

July 11th litter pick cancelled

Due to heavy rain todays litter pick at the Queslett Nature Reserve has been cancelled.
Many thanks to those who did some litter picking on their own in the week.


We hope to arange another litter pick session later this month.

For further details please ring 360 6486

LITTER PICK JULY 11TH

The next litter pick of the Queslett Nature Reserve will take place on the 11th July at 11am.
The meeting place will be the Ashgrove entrance. We will supply litter pickers, black bags and gloves.
Many of the reserves users have told us they think the reserve is a lot cleaner and we want to keep it that way. Children are welcome under the supervision of an adult.

NEW LOG BENCHES ORDERED

Given the amount of residents that use the Queslett Nature Reserve it has allways been a sore point that there are no benches in the reserve. There used to be a traditional style bench on the main path in the reserve but as you might expect it was vanadalised to the point of destruction.However a few years ago I aranged for some shaven logs to be placed on the main path in the reserve near the Ashworth Road end. These have proved very durable. Now I have finally got, with the Backinging of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, the Parks department, to introduce 2 new large logs suitable to be used as benches, in the reserve. One other good thing about these new log / benches is their lack of expense.The logs should be put in place latter in the year.



Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

ALDRIDGE ROAD LITTER PICK A JOB WELL DONE

All those who took part in today litter picking of the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground thought it went well. Brian Brookes one of the leading members said "Given the Council workers who look after the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground site only litter picked it recently, we picked a lot of litter up. We had an old hose pipe and lots of plastic bottles.
I think we have helped make a difference".

ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND LITTER PICKING SESSION SAT 9TH MAY.

There will be a litter picking session taking place on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground on Saturday 9th May. We will be starting from the Shady Lane entrance. 11.15am
Litter pickers and reflective vests will be provided. (if you have your own please bring them.)
For further details please ring 360 6486.

THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE MEETING GOES WELL.

At todays very well attended Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve committee meeting a lot of niggling problems have been ironed out. It is now hoped that between now and the Autumn 3 clean up sessions will take place including a picnic.
It has been agreed that a number of tools and other things needed to carry out work on the reserve will be purchased as will promotional materials.
The FQNR is to continue to work closely with the ORG and the various community groups within it to do as much as possible for the community.
It was decided that the next litter pick would be on the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.
Khalid Mahmood MP popped in to give his encouragement to the group and said how he admired the amount of work Chair Councillor Keith Linnecor and the rest of the group were doing. "There has certainly been a big improvement of the reserve" and he wished more people would do things rather than talking about them".

MEETING OF THE FQNR COMMITTEE REMINDER

There will be a meeting of the FQNR Committee on Saturday at 10pm. at the 610 Community Centre. Committee members are requested to be on time.
None committee members who have a concerns about the reserve or the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground please contact the Chair Councillor Keith Linnecor 360 6486 who will raise the issue / concern on your behalf.

NEWS IN BRIEF APRIL O9

F.O.Q.N.R NEWS IN BRIEF APRIL 09

F.O.Q.N.P GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
At a well attended activity day organised By Councillor Keith Linnecor (Chair FOQNR) and Dr Stephan Bodnar (the Councils Bio Diversity officer) another mountain of rubbish was removed from the Queslett Nature Reserve recently.
A number of bushes and trees were also pruned in order to improve the health of the trees and improve the lake environment.
Amongst those giving a helping hand were member of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, Army cadets from Barrow Lane, Council officers (in their own time) and Khalid Mamood MP who came to offer his support. Many thanks to all of them.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
During a public meeting last year, plans to repair and replace fencing and for planting new trees and shrubs were agreed as part of a development plan. This work will be carried out as funding becomes available over the next few years. There are also plans to involve local schools next year. Lessons in Forestry, wildlife and even some N.V.Q skills may be taught on the Quelett Nature Reserve site.

BIRD AND BAT BOXES.
Thank to the efforts of Doctor Stephen Bodnar and Councillor Keith Linnecor, along with willing volunteers from the FOQNR, over 40 Bird or Bat boxes have been put in place in the Queslett Nature Reserve.

THANK YOU FOR FUNDING THE FOQNR
The FONR would like to thank the Oscott Ward Advisory Board including its Chair Keith Linnecor, Councillors Barbara Dring and Graham Green and other community Reps for giving us a grant of £200.

STILL NO CHARGE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE F.O.Q.N.R
Plans to charge for membership of the F.O.Q.N.R have been rejected. The enthusiasm and commitment to the environment and the Reserve is the main requirement of members. The F.O.Q.N.R is an organisation for those who really care and want to help the reserve and the environment.
If you want to be considered for membership of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve or want to find out more about the F.O.Q.N.R please Tel 464 1869 for details. or keep using this blog.

WELL DONE FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVISTS

I just want to write and say thank you to Councillor Keith Linnecor the Chair of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and Dr Stephan Bodnar Birmingham City Councils Bio Diversity officer for all the work they did organising the recent Queslett Nature Reserve Activity day.
I thought it went very well and all those who helped on the day including a number of youngster from the Army cadets did very well. We need more hand on people to help solve problems.

Brian Brookes

FQNR member.

VANDALISM TO OUR TREES MUST STOP

As sure as night follows day and elections follow an avalanche of leaflets, anti social yobs leave a trail of broken newly planted trees in the spring. What amusement some people get from destroying a new trees is beyond me. As I do most year I will bring this issue to the attention of the Police and hope they can catch one of these mindless fools in the act.
If you see anyone trying to damage a tree in the Queslett Nature reserve (or sadly trying to set fire to one) call the park rangers 464 8728 ASAP. If you see some one vandalising a tree on the highway call the Police.
If you want to protect our newly planted trees, should we ever get a Dry spell of weather why not water a new tree if it is is near where you live it may just help it survive?

Councillor Keith Linnecor


Chair FQNR

PREVENTING ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN OUR RESERVE

Like most places the Queslett Nature Reserve recieves the unwanted behavior of some anti social people (young and not so young).
This can range from dumping rubbish in the reserve (there is a Salvage centre at Holford Drive a 5 minute drive away), setting fires, riding motorised vehicles in the reserve and throwing life rings in the lake. (The lake in the reserve is a dangerous place not suitable for swimming in)
All these unwanted activities can be annoying and in some cases dangerous.
As members of the FOQNR we can act as its eyes and ears and report any unwanted activities.

If there is a serious incident going on, contact the Police on the 999 system. If you see any thing that has happened you can contact the Parke's department 464 8728.
Do not however put your self in any danger and follow the code of practise and Aims of the FOQNR. If you are a member and have lost yours or if there is any other information you want please ring me on 360 6486.

Councillor Keith Linnecor Chair
FOQNR

ANOTHER ACTIVITY DAY TAKES PLACE

Well what a day the Friends off the Queslett Road Nature Reserve Activity day turned out to be!!approximately 40 people turned up to help clean up the reserve and prune back undergrowth amongst other things.Amongst the helpers were members of the Friends of the Qeuslett Nature Reserve, a team of Army Cadets and local youngsters. Khalid Mahmood MP also came along to give his encouragement.Dr Stephen Bodnar Birmingham Cities Bio Diversity officer (Who has appeared on Nature Watch) was there to supervise some much needed tree clearance work which when completed should improve the wild life in the reserve and improve the condition of the lake.A team from the Barrows Lane Army Cadets under the supervision of local man Bob Turner worked tirelessly along with members of the FOQNR to tidy up the reserve.Dozens of old shopping trolleys were removed as well as old bikes,plastic rubbish and all sorts of litter.A large number of lif safety rings were also taken out of the lake As Chair of the FOQNR I would just like to thank all those involved and I am sure in year to come the Reserve will really see the benefit.It was also very pleasing to see so many youngster prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FOQNR

NEW BUSHES FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve which incorporates the Aldridge Road Recreation ground, are pleased to see that prickly bushes have gone in the A.R.G near the Great Barr Leisure Centre Wall. This should help stop local youths gathering near this wall anti anti socially and putting graffiti on the wall. Well done to PC Casson and those others responsible.

RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY MARCH 7th

There will be an Activity day at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday March 7th. The start time will be 11.30am (until approx 1.30pm). and the meeting place will be the Ahworth Road entrance. Please try and park either in Lindsey Road, Booths Lane or (the ASDA car park and walk through the reserve to the Ashworth Road entrance)

Note if driving in the Booths Lane un adopted section take care as it is in very poor condition and full of potholes!

Member and supporters are advised to come prepared for the weather in solid shoes.

The work expected to be carried out will be bush /tree clearance and there will be litter picking to do.

It is a time to roll your sleeves up and to do something practical for the wildlife and environment on the reserve. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult.

Dr Stephan Bodnar the Councils Bio Diversity Officer will be their and there will be an opportunity to ask him about the wild life on the reserve.

FEED WILD BIRDS NOW

Many bird lovers start feeding wild birds in the late spring a summer when it is really this time of year birds need feeding urgently.Wild birds need food this time of year to help keep their body temperature up. They can not get at there normal food because of the snow and ice and so now is the time to feed them.Try clearing a patch of snow from the ground or off your bird table if you have one and put some food out for the birds. Birds eat all sorts of things and there are plenty of books about to tell you whet is best for the birds. You can also by wild bird food from local pet shops and so on.However only put bird food out in the day light and remove anything left over before it gets dark. This will stop rats from feeding on any left overs. Birds also need water and in icy conditions you can help them by putting out some water.
Also dont forget the birds in the Queslett Nature Reserve, why not pop in and leave them some food?

Keith Linnecor
Chair FOQNR

DO NOT LET THE SNOW PUT YOU OFF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

Even though there is snow on the ground, if you wrap up warm and wear a good pair of boots, you can enjoy a winter wonderland in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Take extra care however if you go off the main paths and never be tempted to go on the lake if it ices over.

CABINET MEMBER FOR LEISURE SERVICES SHOWS SUPPORT FOR NATURE RESERVE

Following a lengthy discussion with the Cabinet member for Leisure Services Councillor Ray Hassall today I am delighted to inform you that he would not support the locating of a Skate Board park in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
He was adamant that the Queslett Nature Reserve is just that a Reserve and totally concurs with the view that a Skate Board facility would be detrimental to the reserve.
Council Hassell who know the reserve well has shown that common sense rather than Politics still matter when it comes to the interest of the wild life and those who use the Queslett Nature Reserve. Council Hassall also believes the Perry Barr option for a local skate Board is a good one given all the circumstances
It is now to be hoped any rumours that the Reserve will have a skate board will be squashed.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair
Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve.