OUR SWANS

As the secretary to The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve I very often visit this beautiful wildlife haven. I was especially delighted to see that the reserves residental swans have now had three gorgeous cygnets! I sometimes take the swans and their young family corn which I leave on the bank. Because however much I would like to see them up close and however much I would like them to feed from my hand,I am mindful of the fact that these are wild animals,they have their place and I have mine. There is no real need to feed the swans or the other wildfowl this time of the year as there is certainly enough food and it isn`t a good idea to feed them bread. I am concerned that when I am over the Queslett Nature Reserve that I have come across other members of public feeding and actively encouraging the swans to come close. These people think that they are being kind gaining the swans trust. But they don`t seem to understand that there other types of
people who through their own warped sence of enjoyment will use the swans trust of humans to hurt them. So for those who do care, it is really best not to encouraged the swans to come close to the waters edge or to feed from a hand.

Brenda Wilson

FRIENDS OF QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE UPDATE

The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve
Update June 2011
It has been a busy year and with results to show. We have carried out several on site activities, litter picking, cleaning up of bulk rubbish fly tipped over many years and path clearance. The reserve had taken on a distinct improvement.
Consideration is now being given to the creation of a new pathway with steps looping off from the main Ashworth Road to Asda path, circling close to the Queslett Road. We are conscious that only limited access to this section should be made possible in order not to disturb existing wildlife and deter the settlement of new wildlife. The bird boxes installed here over the previous two years with the exception of one or two have remained in tact and have been nested by various variety of birds, owls and bats.
Following early successful clean ups in the lake area we have concentrated lately on this part of the reserve and the are to the rear of the solicitors offices that has recently been opened up and made available as part of the reserve.
In addition to the wildlife monitoring and training sessions, we have involved various youth groups that have included youth club members e.g. late evening bat watch and cadets assisting with clean up operations. We have worked with and have a good cooperative relationship with the Birmingham City Council Leisure Services and in particular the Ranger service. In May 2011, though them, we received much practical assistance from a group of 50 employees of Orange Telecommunications using this as a team building exercise.
Our group is now expanding its operations to two other sites, Aldridge Road Recreation Ground and Perry Beeches Nature Reserve on the Oscott side of the M6 motorway.
The grant of 300 Pounds from the Community Chest has enabled us to add to our inventory of equipment and tools. In addition, it has covered some of our running costs and has enabled, through publicity leaflets and newsletters to increase our membership and the interest of local residents. This membership is still free and we hope will stay free. Certainly our efforts have raised the profile of the Nature Reserve locally as a pleasant oasis in a built up area.
Unfortunately, our applications for National Lottery funding for more ambitious projects have so far been unsuccessful. We continue to source more funding from various agencies and by fund raising. We hope again that this year we can be considered for another grant from the Community Chest.
For application for free membership of "The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve":
Tel: 0121 360 6486 Tell your friends!
Bob Wild
(Vice Chair) 15th. J