DO NOT SWIM IN THE RESERVES LAKE

The reserves lake may look peaceful but it may be dangerous do not enter it.

With the summer hopefully just around the corner the FOQNR would like to remind everyone do not swim in the reserves lake.
This lake's water  has not been treated and there may be underwater obstacles. Be safe do not swim or paddle in the lake.

ACTIVITY DAY UPDATE

Another busy and creative activity day at the Reserve on Saturday.
led by our hands on Chair members of the FOQNR put up the first of a number of notice boards and directions signs we intend to put up over the nest 12 months.
With the help of Parks Ranger Malcolm we carried out some pruning work as well as litter picking.
The FOQNR Committee also intend to name some of the smaller paths on the site to help those new to the area find their way.

HELP OUR BUTTERFLY'S

 A few year ago the FOQNR planted some butterfly friendly plant seeds in the reserve ( with the help of rangers) many of these plants have survived the droughts and sharp frosts of the last few years. However the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve would like to do more to help butterfly's inside and out side of the reserve.
You can help by sending a small donation (to help pay for some more seeds) or by planting butterfly friendly plants in your garden. (see below)
Lets all work to improve the chances of our butterfly's

 SOME SUITABLE PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN (Please do not plant in the reserve without permission)

The best plants for summer nectar

Buddleia (The butterfly bush)

Very easy to grow in almost any soil. Different varieties will flower in pink, red, purple, and white. Usually in bloom through July and August. These shrubs need pruning well in Spring as they can grow 5' to 8' from the ground in a single season. Beware however these plants can become a problem.

Verbena Bonariensis

Stems up to a metre tall support heads of lavender flowers from August to October. Easy to grow from seed, plant March-April in well-drained soil. Can provide useful height at the back of a border. Only half hardy so can be a short lived perennial.

Lavender

Flowers are lilac-blue in color and grow on spikes through the summer. Plants can be used for edging beds or grown to form an attractive, low-growing hedge. It will thrive in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. Lavender should be planted in April or May and pruned back to encourage bushy growth.

Perennial Wallflower (Bowles Mauve)

Produces a profusion of sweet-scented purple flowers from April all through the summer. Wallflowers make great bedding plants and will grow well in full sun or light shade. Plant in well drained soil.

Marjoram (Oregano)

A perennial herb, growing from 20 to 80 cm tall. White, pink or purple flowers grow on spikes from June to September. A good edging plant and useful ground cover, requiring little maintenance. The smaller varieties also do well in rock and alpine gardens.


Regards
Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FOQNR

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

I have been impressed not only by how the Freinds of the Queslett Nature Reserve are keeping the reserve clean but also the way the way you are all just getting on with the job.

Keep up the good work

Burt


Name and address given

DO NOT PUT TERRAPINS IN RESERVE LAKE

There have been a number of incidents of residents abandoning Terrapin into lakes in parks and reserves in Birmingham over the last few years. There have been a number of sightings in Powell's pool and other lakes in Sutton Park for example. ( The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve are monitoring the lake in the reserves for any evidence of Terrapin activity.)
This is an act of anti social behavior which needs to stop which cost we tax payers money as reports of sitings have to be investigated by Park Rangers and the Environmental Agency for example.
While there is as yet no firm evidence that these Terrapins are damaging the levels of fish number in lakes across Birmingham the situation is being monitored just in case.
The very cold winters which can kill off Terrapins are now quite rare and it also cruel to abandon Terrapins in the Cities lakes and pools where there is also other smaller wild life to consider.
If you do want to get rid of a Terrapin ask the RSPCA for advice.


If you have any comments on this issue please let me no and i will ensure the authorities are made aware of them.


Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

PLEASE IMPROVE THE ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND

As the FQNR also take in the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground we are shocked that the proposed upgrade of the Aldridge Recreation Ground needed for improved safety and access has been put on hold by the Council.

We know our Chairman Councillor Keith Linnecor and his Colleague Barbara Dring have been trying to sort things out but the Councils decision will mean This will mean not improving the only path across the recreation ground and sorting out the, puddles,mud and the uneven surface. The path is used for example as for a short cut from Shady Lane to the Great Barr Schools/ Leisure Centre or to the young children's play area.
Those who live near the Rec will also have to put up with the noise and the anti social antics from motor bikers motor bikes because simple barriers at some of the entrances will not be sorted out. Someone will get hurt. Shame on those stopping the work being done

Brenda

THANK YOU FOR THE LETTERS/ emails

Many thanks to those of you who are contacting the FQNR. The editors of the FOQNR will as appropriate pass on your comments and will post some of them on the blog from time to time. (we do need your details)

TAKE CARE OF WATER

Members of the FQNR like Brian are concerned about the low level of the lake in the reserve.


The FOQNR are appealing to the community to spare a thought when it comes to using water.

If you look at the level of the lake in the Queslett Nature Reserve you will see what 2 years of comparative drought has done. The level lake is well down on what it used to be.

The Water Authorities and the government will if needed tell us when not to use hose pipes but the FQNR ask that you think before using water.

For example why not get a water butt and use the water collected, on your garden.
However in dry spells we would still ask that you put water in your garden birdbath, if you have one.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

QUELETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY DAY 21ST APRIL

There will be an activity day at the Queslett Nature Reserve on Saturday 21st April.
The meeting time and place are The Ashworth Road entrance at 11.30am.

This is an event for those who are interested in the environment and the wild life in Oscott.

As with much of what the FQNR do it is more about a hands on approach than having a moan.
We will be picking litter and carrying out some light pruning work. We hope to have a Parks Ranger with us if anyone has any questions about the wildlife in the reserve.

FQNR members and members of the public are welcome to come and take part.

Please note.

Do not park to near the entrance or in Linsey Road if possible in consideration to those who live there.
Please come prepared for the weather and in stout shoes* (if the weather looks bad please ring 078 07691511 to confirm meeting is taking place)
Children are welcome but must be under the supervision of an appropriate adult.
Please do not disturb any wild life in the reserve.
When working in the reserve take care of yourself and all those around you.
The only WC in the area is in the Queslett Road ASDA super store. (Why not do a bit of shopping there after the event?)
Team leaders will be, Keith, Bob and Brenda and if available a Park Ranger.

For further details please email Brenda



Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FOQNR