I'll be out and about so come and vote

Have you voted yet? Well now’s your chance... tomorrow (Wednesday 24^th September) I’ll be out at Forge Mill Farm from 10am and our local Tesco Express, The Great Barr Express, from 1pm. The model for the new centre will be with me as well as the all important voting box! If you can’t make it tomorrow then drop in to our temporary centre or give us an email at sandwellvalley@rspb.org.uk and have your say in what your new visitor centre is called.

Forge Mill Lake (By Chris)

Who am I? I’m Jazz, the Community Engagement Intern here at Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve. I started back in June this year, you may have met me but you may not have. I’m often out at my table, sat around the wildlife garden, with the model for the new centre giving out information and getting you to vote on the centre name. You may meet me tomorrow.

A bit about me...

I recently completed a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology at the University of Exeter down on the Cornwall Campus. I was raised in the midlands by an avid birdwatcher (not quite twitcher status) so; therefore, I should know a lot more about the birds that frequent our reserve than I already do. I have a great appreciation for birds, their delicate feathers, fluctuating social lives and how some teeny tiny ones travel thousands of miles. I have tried to look in many identification books and absorb the information but nothing quite beats going out and watching the next tale unfold with another unidentified flying creature. Then there are the insects, plants, mammals and especially the fungi this time of year to spot and identify and ponder over a book for another hour or so. 

However, fear not for my lack of identification skills as I am now surrounded by many knowledgeable people. Every 2 weeks I plan to spend an afternoon, wondering round the reserve, seeing what’s about and chatting to ‘those in the know’. I give myself a target of one unidentified species to identify each time, to consolidate the most recent highlights (some in my opinion, others in my colleagues) and to point out the bits you should have a look at when you pop down to the valley. 

Starting next week, I’m going to get out there and hopefully you’ll join me and help me through this blog as I try to hone in on my identification skills and general appreciation for our side of the valley.

Jazz

P.S. if you’re an early bird then head out to the reserve early in the morning. I was cycling in at 7.30 this morning and it was such a spectacular view. The light was golden, the birds were all chilling out (literally, it was freezing!) on the islands and steam was rising from the lake, catching the suns rays and making it so atmospheric. (I'll try get a photograph for you tomorrow) Ooh Autumn is a wonderfully special month. 

Sandwell Valley