LARGE TREE FALL AT ALDRIDGE ROAD RECREATION GROUND ENTRANCE

A large tree has been brought down by the wind at the entrance to the Aldrdidge Road Recreation Ground (Shaddy Lane) luckily local FQNR quickly got on to Local Councillors who got the tree moved quickly. There was no damage done.

THERE WILL BE A PRUNNING SESSION 8TH DECEMBER

The Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve are to hold an activity day on Saturday 8th December

Friends and helpers are asked to meet at the Ashworth Road entrance at 11.30am but please do not park to close to the entrance and respect the neighbours parking places.

It will be a roll up your sleeves and have ago session. Litter picking and light pruning work will take place.
We hope to cut back some bushes from paths and to clear rubbish from paths and near the lake.

Please come along dressed for the weather. (If there is heavy rain this event may be cancelled)

Children are welcome if strictly under the control of an accompanying adult.

For further information email
 brendafoqnr@yahoo.ca

or ring 360 6486

KEEP AWAY FORM LAKES IN WINTER

Every year we hear of someone falling into a lake and drowning.
Keep away form lakes in open spaces they are dangerous. Do not be tempted to go on any frozen lakes.
Rember water during the winter can be very cold and it is often the cold which kills.
And dont let your dog near the lake either.

Brian Brookes

Member FQNR

NOW IS THE TIME TO FEED THE BIRDS

With the dark cold nights comes the need to feed the birds in our gardens and open spaces.
The sever wet weather also helps prevent Birds from finding natural food.
There has been a lot of talk about bird numbers reducing over the years and many reasons have been put forward.
For example Farming changes such as getting rid of hedge rows.
New housing developments.
Changing gardening needs (less trees and bushes) more patios
What ever the reasons bird number are falling but we can all help the situation.

Why not leave part of your garden to go "wild".
Plant food bearing plants
Feed the birds during the winter and help give them the body fat they need to survive. (If freezing condition use a bird bath to give water)
Join the RSPB or similar organisations.( read their advice on how to feed birds and other animals)
Become a member of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve and help protect the habitat for local wild life. (See the Webb for similar organisations)

To join the FQNR or for more information Email Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

See also posts Dec 21st 2011 and Dec 3rd 2010

BOOTHS LANE UPDATE

Along with Committee members of the Friends Of the Queslett Nature Reserve I have been to the Booths Lane development site today and met with Representatives of  Cameron Homes and Persimmon.
We have looked extensively at the landscaping features which have been agreed and the way they will be linking with the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Pedestrion routes are being kept around the site linking up both sections of Booths Lane, Caddick Road and the reserve. A new entrance swing gate have been put in place on the Booths Lane Reserve boundary at the request of the Queslett Nature Reserve.
Restoration work including the historically accurate pointing to safe guard the foundations are continuing on the Old Booths Farm site.
We also heard that Houses should begin being built on the site early next year with an expectation the scheme will be finished in 2014.
 The new road is continuing to be worked on but the house building will mean some delays in the linking of the carriage way from one section of the site to the other due to things like health and safety implications, new lighting schemes and the eventual adaption of the road by the City of Birmingham.
We were given another assurance it is the intention of the developers to have the road relinked in the future.

I have also asked for further site visits and updates and will be pressing for the road to be brought back into use as soon as possible.


Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair FQNR

BERT COOKE R.I.P

It was with great sadness I learnt of the passing of Bert Cooke today.
Bert helped run the Old Oscott Community Centre for many years with his wife Pauline and was a great help to many people in the area.
Bert and Pauline were also founder members of the Queslett Nature Reserve and although ill heath prevented Bert from taking part in physical activities on the reserve his excellent knowledge regarding the subject of wild life was a big help to the FQNR and the reseve its self. The FQNR will be planting a tree in the reserve in honour of Bert.
 
Bert was one of the cleverest people I have ever met he had more common sense in his little finger than most politicians I have come across.
Bert had been a little frail for a few years now but he still kept up to speed with what was going on in the area and was a mine of information.
 He also helped me throughout a time of my own great personal sadness and grief some years ago and I will never forget the help and kindness  he and his beloved wife gave me.

I will remember Bert as will all the member of the FQNR who new him.
The FOQNR would like to send our  deepest sympathy to Bert's wife Pauline and the family.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Chair
FOQNR

TAKE A WALK ON A FROSTY MORNING.

Winter will soon be with us with the resulting cold weather. Make the most of the beauty of a frosty morning and take a walk around the Queslett Nature Reserve.
The site of frost on the grass and on branches is well worth the effort but wrap up well.