FQNR PRUNE ONLY WITH CARE

Pruning bushes and removing unwanted scrub is vital to the well being of the Queslett nature Reserve. However this work can only be carried out out side the bird breeding and nesting period. Trees and bushes can however be pruned if after careful inspection they have no nests in them.
What ever time of year our volunteers ensure they do their best not to interfere with the reserves wildlife and for the most part work in conjunction with the parks Ranger service.

FQNR TO BE AT KINGSTANDING FUN DAY

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve along with the Neighbourhood Police Initiative will have a stall at the Kingstanding Fun day on SATURDAY MAY 19th 10.30am on. The fun day will be held at the Whelden Recreation Ground of Kingstanding Road (Opposite the Kingstanding Library we hope you will pop along to show your support  and to meet some of our Committee members.


Brenda
Secretary and Fund Raiser FOQNR

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