HAPPY NEW YEAR

The FQNR executive would like to wish all its members and those who use the Queslett Nature Reserve a Happy New Year.

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED IN THE RESERVE THIS YEAR

I would just like to thank all those who have worked so hard in the Queslett Nature Reserve (including the Aldridge Road Recreation) Ground)this year to help keep it tidy and more wild life friendly.

Many FQNR members have "rolled up their sleeves" and got on with the job of looking after the reserve. Their have been a number of organised litter picking and pruning sessions which have made a real difference.
Also some members have gone out of their way on their own to pick up litter and keep an eye on the reserve.
I would like to give a special thanks to Brenda as the FQNR secretary who has done such sterling work in that capacity and also to Bob , John, Brian and Tony as executive members./team leaders.

Finally I would like to thank our Local Parks Manager and the Ranger service for their help and guidance.

Councillor Keith Linnecor

Chair FQNR

TREE PLANTED IN THE MEMORY OF BERT COOKE

I would just like to thank all those involved in planting a tree in the Queslett Nature Reserve (Persimmons homes) in the memory of FQNR member Bert Cooke who passed away recently.
The FQNR will be planting bushes and plants paid for by the Cooke family and friends later in the new year.


Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL FROM THE FQNR COMMITTEE

The FQNR committee would like to wish all FQNR members and their family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We would also like to extend our greetings to all those who use the reserve and other open spaces in the area.
Please remember the wild life at this time of year.

DO NOT USE QUAD BIKES IN THE RESERVE

We have received a number of complaints regarding Mini Mopeds and Quad bikes being driven on the Queslett Nature Reserve.
We would ask those driving these machines on the reserve to stop doing so as it can be dangerous to those walking or playing in the reserve. they also damage paths and disturb the wild life.
We would urge those seeing these machines being driven on the reserve to note the time and any description and report the matter to the Police using the 101 number.

B. Brookes

PATH NAMES FOR THE RESERVE

As you will be aware the FQNR has asked for suggestions for names for some of the paths on the Queslett Nature Reserve.
So far we have had.
Queslett Way
Ashworth walk
Centre Walk
Lake side walk
Booths Path

All of which are being considered by the FQNR.

If you have any ideas please ring 360 6486

FQNR REPORT TO OSCOTT WARD

The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve.

Oscott Ward Community Chest Award.

On behalf of the committee of the Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve, I wish to thank the Ward Advisory Board  and Ward Committee for the award of 500 Pounds towards our group's activities and running costs.

This has enabled us to augment and maintain our inventory of working equipment and tools  and safety equipment and clothing.

We have been able to start a programme of signage around the Reserve and built storage facilities for the group's equipment.


In addition, we are able to use some of the money for administrative purposes including office and computer consumables, publicity materials and postage to our membership.

The award has been very welcome and essential, enabling us to operate without the need to charge for membership.

Membership of the Friends group is currently approximately 120 and increasing.

Our activities  include frequent litter picking and clean ups, tree and shrub planting, wildlife monitoring, path clearance. Importantly, members have created a network of observers keeping an eye on the reserve and reporting incidents and problems.

 



We have in mind more ambitious projects that would require greater funding. To this end we have applied for funding from other sources.

Work has started on the Booths Lane residential development site adjacent to the Reserve. We have been very concious of the effects and implications of this development on access, paths, bordering fencing and wildlife including bats. To this end we acted as a pressure group during the planning stages and since we have been in close contact and have maintained good cooperative and communicative relationship with the developers, Cameron Homes and of Persimmon.  Conditions have been incorporated into their planning agreement respecting our wishes and recommendations. These includes a section of land bordering the Reserve and acting as a buffer between the Reserve and the development. They have pledged an amount of “106” funding for community activities and projects some of which should be channelled to improvements to the Reserve.

Sadly, one of our key members, Bert Cooke died recently. Cameron and Persimmon have offered to plant some trees and and erect a plaque to his memory. We thank them for this.

 For application for free membership of  “The Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve”:

Tel: 0121 360 6486

Bob Wild
(Vice Chair)       

NAME THOSE PATHS

The Friends of Queslett Nature Park have decided to name some of the paths in the Queslett Nature Reserve.
If you have any suggestions please email. Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ACTION DAY ON THE RESERVE

The Friends of the Queslett Nature has a successful litter picking and pruning session on Saturday.
Volunteers filled a number of black bags with rubbish and a number of paths had over hanging branches cut back.
Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and showed action speaks louder than words.
Well done all those concerned

WALKING IN THE RESEVE IN THE WINTER

When walking in the Queslett Nature Reserve at this time of year please take care.

Enjoy you walk but please be observant if you see any anti social behavior (this is unlikely) please inform the Police.tel 101 none emergency or 999 for an emergency

Keep to the paths and never be temped to walk on the lake if it ices over.

Please do not disturb the wild life.

By all means feed the birds (with approved foods as recommend by the RSPB and so on). White bread is not recommended for example. Also please take away and mesh which nuts come in as they can trap birds.

The nearest WC is in the ASDA store next door to the reserve (Old Horns Lane) who also sell a range of animal/ bird  foods.

Dog walkers there are litter bins at the Ashworth Road Entrance so please bag and bin any dog mess (or take it home.)

Finally please ensure who wrap up well and use stout shoes.

Enjoy you walks.

Best Wishes

Councillor Keith Linnecor (Chair) FQQR
and the rest of the team

PRUNNING AND LITTER PICKING SESSION SAT 8TH DECEMBER

Just a reminder we are holding an activity day today in the reserve.
If you want to roll up your sleeves and hep prune some bushes away from paths or do some litter picking please come along.
We will also have a park ranger in attendance if you have any questions you would like to ask.
We are meeting 11.30am at the Ashworth Road entrance. Please do not park to close to the entrance and respect local residents need to park.

Children are welcome but they must be in the company of a responsible adult who will ensure their safety at all times.

Its cold today so please come prepared for the weather.