BOOTHS LANE DEVELOPMENT MEETING

Cameron Homes are looking to by the land off Booths lane next to the Queslett nature Reserve.
They are holding a meeting tomorrow (8th December) at the Queslett Golf Course booths lane. The meeting will take place between 12,30pm and 7pm.
Plans will be on display and their will be a chance to speak to the developers.
The FQNR will be attending and ensuring the best results for the reserve we can get.
Why not pop along and take a look for your self at these proposals.

FEED THE BIRDS

Now that the winter has arrived early 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 are best. 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.
(Please note white bread is not the best food for our birds but they can eat it see above)

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 LinnecorChair FQNR

FROZEN LAKES ARE DANGEROUS

Every year despite warnings people foolishly venture out onto open water when it iced over. It is the same with the lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve. Even some grown up adults feel the need to "walk on water" and regardless of the danger step out onto the frozen lake without thinking of the potential danger. Lakes like the one in the Queslett Nature Reserve are not meant for swimming in at the best of times and given its remoteness from any help, trying to walk on this lake when it is covered in ice is a dangerous thing to do. Sadly if the worst happened and someone fell through the ice, the cold would probably mean they would not be able to save them selves by swimming and they could get trapped under the ice.The message is simple please do not risk trying to walk on lakes like the one in the Queslett Nature Reserve when they are frozen over. (and do not let your dog do it either)

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT

There was another successful activity day at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday6th Nov. The weather held out and a lot of pruning back off paths and clearance work was carried out. Members also cut back over hanging branches on the Queslett Road boundary even though the Council should have done this work. Stephan Bodnar the Councils Bio Diversity officer was hand to answer a number of questions about the wild life in the reserve. The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve also signed up a number of new members.

On the down side there has been a complaint by one anonymous resident about members of the FQNR parking outside the reserve and making a noise?. I was not aware of any noise ? but I would ask all visitors to the reserve who use the the reserve not to park too close to the Ashworth Road entrance but if possible in Booths Lane and be considerate to the residents who have to park there.
There is also an entrance to the reserve off Old Horns Crescent near the ASDA super store.

We are now hoping weather permitting to hold a litter picking morning before the end of the but we will let member know if we can.year.


Regards
Councillor Keith Linnecor

Chair
FOQNR

FQNR ACTION DAY NOV 6TH

There will be a FQNR action day on Saturday November the 6th. We will meet at the Ashworth Road entrance at 11am. (please do not park too close to the entrance)

Members and friends are invited to come along and do some light clearance work, pruning and litter picking. You will need to come suitably attired and children must be under the supervision of an adult at all times. Care must also be taken at all times when working in the reserve.
For further information please ring either 360 6486 0r 464 1869

DUCKS DISAPEAR FROM NATURE RESERVE

Ducks are disapearing at an alarming rate off the lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve. It is believed that some people are going around catching them for the pot. This is great shame after all the hard work out in by members of the Queslett Nature Reserve to improve conditions for the wild life on the reserve.If you see anything suspicious please ring the Police on 0345 113 5000 and do not put your self in any sort of danger.I have also been informed Swans in Perry Hall Park are having their eggs stolen.

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE AGM

I was delighted to be reelected Chair of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve at their AGM today.
There were some new faces elected onto the committee and I am sure they will do a great job.I would also like to say a big thank you for the effort put in by those committee members who have been replaced.
The Queslett Nature Reserve is an old quarry site which was filled with rubbish and then landscaped. For many years until I and a number of like minded residents got together to form the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, the reserve was neglected by the Council.
Bit by bit the FQNR are getting this reserve into shape and it has started to become a wild life haven. The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve also help look after the Aldridge Road Recreation GroundIf you would like more details about the FOQNR please ring me on 360 6486

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

GRAFFITI IN RESERVE

Sadly graffiti artists have been at work in the reserve recently. Some of the signs in the reserve have now been drawn on. The Council have assured us however this scribble will soon be removed.

ANOTHER LOAD OF OLD RUBBISH TAKEN FROM THE RESERVE.

Vice Chair Bob Wild filling his van with rubbish off the reserve

Despite late notice there was yet another good turn out to the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve litter picking session.
It was good to see a number of new faces turn up as well.Over 30 bags of rubbish and a number of larger items were removed from the reserve.I would like to say thank you to all those who took part and give a special thanks to my vice Chair Bob Wild who did most of the organising for this litter picking session.

Councillor Keith Linnecor

Chair

FOQNR

FOQNR AGM DATE ANNOUNCED

Just some of our members in action recently

The AGM of the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve will take place on Saturday 2nd October. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre and the time 11am.
If you wish to be nominated for one of the committee places please send your nomination to.
Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR
30 Cavandale Avenue
Great Barr
Birmingham
B44 9TW

To arrive by Monday September 27th Mid day.

LITTER PICKING SESSION SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 11 am

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve will be holding a litter picking session on Saturday. This will be an opportunity for member to work as a team to help clean up the reserve.
If you are a member of the FOQNR or would like to join and help why not come along to the Ahworth Road entrance to the Queslett nature Reserve.
Don't forget to come prepared for the weather and children must be under the guidance of an adult.
Litter pickers and black bags will be provided. Care should be taken at all times when working in the reserve.
I would also like to thank those member who have been out helping to clean up the reserve over the summer.

LOOKING FOR FUNDING

Vice Chair Bob Wild and FQNR Secretary Brenda have been busy throughout the summer filling in forms left right and Centre applying for funding to help improve the Queslett Nature Reserve.
The time consuming bureaucracy involved just has to be seen to believed.
The FOQNR are still waiting for a reply from most of the organisations approached but the Oscott Ward Committee have agreed £300 from their community chest should be given to the FOQNR and for that we are very grateful as it will help us run on through the summer.

If you would like to donate or have any ideas who the FQNR may approach for funding please email Brenda on brendafoqnr@yahoo.co

BETTER ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED IS NEEDED

The Queslett Nature Reserve is a lovely place and especially so at this time of year.One of its draw backs at the moment however is it is difficult for some wheel chair users to get through the gates at the Ashworth Road entrance to the reserve.
The current gates were put in as they are to try and put off motor bikes as these are not suitable on the reserve and can be very dangerous to those who visit the reserve.
I am currently working with the Oscott Disability Group and other disabled residents to try and find a solution to this problem. At the moment the current gates are to be modified to allow easier access for wheel chair users. However I am trying to get the Council to do more to help to find funding, in order to have more suitable gates put in, with a hard standing and a disabled drop curb near by.
Although clearly money is very tight at the moment I feel this gate should be changed as it would also help encourage schools with disabled pupils in wheel chairs and give them a better opportunity to visit the site if they so wish. Along with the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve I am working to improve access for all to the reserve.


Councillor Keith Linnecor

Chair FOQNR

BIRD BOXES BEING USED ON RESERVE

Members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve along with our resident expert Dr Stephan Bodner paid a visit to view a number of the Bird boxes put up last year on the Queslett Nature Reserve and it has proved they are a success.
Many of these boxes have been located off the beaten track for obvious reasons and this has helped the bird life in the reserve to be able to use them.
Most of the boxes appear to be occupied and and amongst the birds recorded as nesting are Blue tits, Stock doves and Owls.It is hoped as the boxes mature there will be even more species nesting next year.
If you would like to join the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve or would like more information about its activities please ring me on 360 6486

BEWARE OF FIRE IN THE RESERVE

There is always a danger of fires in the Queslett Nature Reserve and especially so after a week or so of dry weather. With this in mind the FOQNR would remind everyone to take extra care when using the reserve during the summer. Please make sure any discarded cigarettes are stubbed out completely (better still take it away with you). Also picnic fires are not permitted in the reserve.
If you see a grass fire in the reserve please call the Fire brigade ASAP.

Keep well clear of any fires you may see in the reserve they can be very dangerous

DRINKING DEN REMOVED

The FQNR are please to be able to tell you the drinking den in the reserve we reported to the Council a week or two ago hase been completely removed by Council workers. Sadly a number of trees have been damaged but we will try and plant new trees on the reserve to make up for that.

WHY NOT JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE

The Friends of the Queslett nature Reserve are always on the look out for new members.
There is no joining fee and if you care about the environmenat and if you dont mind getting your hand a bit dirty looking after the Queslett Nature Reserve and other areas why not join us.
You can do as much or as little as you like as long as you care.

For more details either ring 360 6486 or em brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca

Bird studing success

Over 20 people spent an enjoyable and interesting morning on the Queslett Nature Reserve today and this did not count the 3 users of the reserve who joined the Friends Queslett Nature Reserve today.Activities ranged from bird netting (for identification they were all released unharmed and the work was supervised by an expert) bird observation and litter picking the site.Dr Stephan Bodnar the Councils Bi diversity officer proved yet again what knowledge has when it comes to the world of nature.Dozens of different birds wore identified and identified is hoped the work being undertaken by the FOQR and other groups will make the wild life on and around the reserve even more varied.The FOQNR strongly believe working on the reserve is just part of their aim which is to improve the environment throughout the area.

Chair FQNR
Councillor Keith Linnecor

BIRD STUDING EVENT SATURDAY

This is just a reminder that there will be a bird studying event at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday.
The Birmingham City Council's Bio Diversity expert Stephen Bodnar will be starting early on the Reserve but members and residents are welcome to meet him at 11am at the Ashworth Road entrance.

NB
Please come dressed for the weather and reserve conditions. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you come by car please try not to leave it in Ashworth Road or Lindsey Road as there is little parking available. The nearest WC is in the ASDA Store on Queslett Road.

New trees planted in Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve were delighted when our Local MP Khalid Mahmood MP, offered a helping hand to plant some new trees in the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground. Khalid who was on Constituency business near by readily offered to help out when he heard what was going on.
Pauline Cook a local resident and member of the FOQNR said "the whole planting ceremony was excellent and the trees soon went in everyone did very well."
The trees were donated by the Trees for England Group and a lot of hard work was done beforehand by Glendale under the supervision of Local Parks manager Lee Southall.

Also see previous post

NEW TREES FOR THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND

Tree for life have donated a number of trees to the FOQNR. After a lot of consideration the Activities sub committee decided they should be planted in the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground.
Vice Chair Bob Wild, Council officer and myself met up to look at suitable locations this week.
One of the key considerations is they should not be planted in such away that they will overhang any ones property in the future.
If you would like to come along to the tree planting ceremony it will be taking place on Wednesday at 11am. We will be meeting at the Shady Lane entrance to the Recreation Ground.

Chair FOQNR
Councillor Keith Linnecor

HELP SUPPORT THE FOQNR

With Spring approach the FOQNR will be preparing to carry out a number of duties with the Queslett Nature Reserve and the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground. We will need funds to be able to operate as a group and to improve the reserve and recreation ground.
As an organisation we are determined to keep membership free but that does mean we have to look else where for funding.
If you would like to make a donation to the FOQNR or have any money raising suggestions please contact Brenda on the following Em address. brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca.
The more funds we can raise the more we can help look after the wild life like the swans in our reserve.

DRINKING DEN DISCOVERED IN RESERVE

A potentially dangerous construction which could be used as a drugs den has been found in woodland inside the Queslett Nature Reserve. The quick actions of local residents and member of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, have made sure this structure has partly been broken down. Sadly a number of healthy trees were vandalised by those building this structure.
I have informed the Parks department requesting the rest is removed as soon as possible.The whole structure was in an unstable way and could have fallen on a child who may be playing in the reserve. It is thought that this large shed like structure could have been used by youngster to take drugs or drink alcohol unobserved.I would like to thank all those who alerted me to the situation.

Keith Linnecor

Chair FOQNR

Bird studing event to take place Sat 27th March

There will be a Bird study event at the Queslett Nature Reserve on March 27th. The meeting place will be the Ashworth Road entrance of the reserve. 11am There will be a chance to study with a senior Bio diversity expert, birds seen on the reserve. Anyone wishing to, can also help with a litter picking exercise.
All are welcome. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Please come prepared for the weather.
(please note there are no toilets in the reserve. There is a toilet owned by the ASDA Super store in their shop near by however, on Old Horns Crescent)

For futher details please ring FQNR Chair Councillor Keith Linnecor 360 6486

City Parks Bio diversity Officer Post to go

I and I am sure most of the members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve (and many other friends of parks groups) am disgusted that Dr Stephan Bodnar the BCC Bio Diversity officer is going to have to leave his post because of stupid Council reorganisations.
He does a great job helping community groups look after the wild life in this city in our many parks and reserves. The Council should think again.

R. Andrew

V. Chair
FQNR

Iland haven for Quelestt reserve lake

FQNR Chair and Vice Chair Councillor Keith Linnecor and Bob Wild inspecting the Iland as it is being built.

I would like to thank Mike Garvey (Great Barr Leisure Centre Manager) and many of his staff who in their own time are building a wild life island refuge for the lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve.I have to admit when I suggested the island was what the lake needed for its wild life I never thought Mr Garvey and his volunteer group would be able to do as well as they have.The island will float in the middle of the lake in the Quslett Nature Reserve after being weighed down. The Parks department have been very helpful in the guidance they have given and the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve have also been very supportive.It is hoped that the new island will be ready to be "launched" in a matter of weeks?


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF THE QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE PLEASE RING 360 6486


Councillor Keith Linnecor Chair FQNR

New signs for the Queslett Nature Reserve

At long last new signs which were paid for by the FQNR have been delivered and erected by the Birmingham City Council Parks department. They have been placed near the Old Horns Entrance and the Ashworth Road Entrance.
On the new signs is information about the Queslett nature Reserve its history and wildlife. There is also some information about the FQNR.
WE are looking for new members and if you would like to know more please ring 360 6486

HELP OUR BIRDS NOW

With the near Artic conditions we are facing at the moment please give a little thought for the bird life in the area. They will urgently need your help.
Members of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve like Secretary Brenda Wilson are regularly going into the Queslett nature Reserve to put out all sorts of different food for the birds there but much more id needed.
You can do your bit by putting out some scraps for the birds in your own garden. Check out the RSPB Webb site if you would like more information on the subject