Heron Lunch Time

This is one of many amazing blog posts from Ruth our fabulous Ranger Volunteer. You can find many more posts on her blog at  https://ruthlawt.wordpress.com/ 

A wonderful sight at RSPB Sandwell Valley this morning – a heron trying to eat a rat but it wouldn’t fit. Yep. Gruesome. Fabulous.

I was walking along the raised bank between the river and the lake and I spotted the heron on the river bank. It was behaving really strangely, dipping its head in the water then raising its head high as if it were eating something but it was so repetitive I couldn’t imagine what it could be eating.

It didn’t fly off when I walked a little nearer along the bank. My camera gave me a close up…

I realised that the heron was trying to change the position of the rat – perhaps it was worried that the rat was still alive and would escape so it was VERY careful. Eventually it was successful.

and once the rat was swallowed, the heron looked very smug.

By this time two other birdwatchers were following the story with me, but the heron was unfazed by our attention – it was too busy digesting! It took it a minute or two to fly off – weight adjustment I expect

The heron / rat lunch documentary was only one part of a lovely ranger session this morning. There was so much to see and enjoy – as always. I arrived a bit wobbly emotionally but by the time I left I had had a little weep, laughed aloud, gasped with amazement and ooh’ed and aah’ed a lot. Walking round RSPB Sandwell Valley is so much cheaper than the NHS

Ruth

This blog is one in a series we are running about the fabulous volunteers that keep RSPB Sandwell Valley alive and thriving. We want to show off the amazing mix of people who come here from all walks of life helping save nature and inspiring others about wildlife on our reserve, and we want to encourage you to get involved too. 
Whether it's getting your hands dirty, showing a little one their first frog, or being that friendly face in our new visitor centre there's something you can have a go at.  Visit rspb.org.uk/volunteering or contact Lucy hodson: lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk, 0121 357 7395.

European Visitors by Graham Vernon (Hide Guide Volunteer)

Visitors from Norway

We had three visitors from Stavanger, Norway who were obviously keen bird spotters. I found that one of them, Erik, was already a member of the RSPB.

They were visiting several parts of England and as I said previously one was a member, Erik, acted as a guide for the other two. They were full of praise for our nature reserve, and that the visitor centres and the hides in their country were not as good, but our hide was closer to the birds.

They were really lucky to see a bird that is rare in their country according to their guide Erik- the grey wagtail. Their eyes lit up when they saw one in front of them.  They went on their way really happy and full of praise.

Other visitors from Rome in Italy

They arrived at the hide the next day some more visitors arrived; a father, daughter and son-in-law. It was the daughter and her Husband that were on holiday and due to go home to Rome two days later.

They really enjoyed their visit to the RSPB and asked if they could leave a message: “Very nice nature centre bird staff”!

The Staff at RSPB Sandwell Valley look forward to seeing all visitors either local or from abroad.

Something else I thought might interest you is the picture below of a Pale Tussosk Moth Caterpiller (latin name Calliteara pudibunda). This was found by a couple of our volunteers, Aaron and Andy.

For people interested in photography I took the photo with a Nikon D4s that had an 80-400mm Lens- hand held and no flash. Camera settings were ISO 2000, F9 and Speed 1/320

Finally, just a few photos so you can see how hard RSPB Volunteers are working to give nature a home for the winter.

This would have been done a lot quicker if the RSPB had more volunteers. So if you know someone that would like to help, ask them to contact the visitor centre on 0121 357 7395 and speak to one of their lovely team, who I am sure would more than happy to help.

Thanks for all your efforts so far and keep up the good work!

Autumn and Winter fun at RSPB Sandwell Valley

The days are getting shorter and a bit chillier, but don’t worry there is still lots going on at RSPB Sandwell Valley! We’re bursting at the seams with events this autumn and winter!

The view from our visitor centre

Starting with October half term treats, we are holding our school holiday regular  Wild Wednesday on 26 October. There will be campfire cooking and wild crafts – a great idea to get the kids out of the house and kept busy, drop in to take part anytime between 11am and 2pm. 

As it gets dark on 26 October, we will head out on to the reserve on a Spooky Story Nature Walk, we’re already sold out for the earlier walk, but have a few places left on the 7.15pm – 8.15pm walk. Booking is essential, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.

If you can’t make it to those events, don’t worry, we have spooky Halloween Bat Trails going on throughout the week as well. Ideal for younger children to explore the reserve, finding creepy crawly things along the way. These will be going on from Sunday 23 October – Sunday 30 October on the days the visitor centre is open.

If you, like us want to enjoy the gorgeous colours autumn brings and would like to know how reserve changes this season come along on the Autumnwatch Walk, Saturday 5 November 10am – 12pm no need to book!

 Some Fungi found around RSPB Sandwell Valley recently 

We’re giving you the opportunity to have a close-up encounter with wildlife. There is a Bird Ringing Demonstration being held at RSPB Sandwell Valley on 27 November. You can learn how and why we ring birds with our experts. Booking is essential for this event. We will also be making a variety of different bird feeders to take home.

The annual Winter Warmer Walk is a favourite, this year it is on Saturday 3 December. Take a chilly meander outdoors, looking for goldeneye and goosanders, then return to the centre to warm up with festive punch, hot chocolate and mince pies. Very festive!

On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December drop into the visitor centre any time between 11am – 3pm to make some Christmas crafts. We’ll be making frosty pine cones, woolly sparkle sticks and log fire bundles to hang on both your trees and ours.

Phew what a lot of stuff going on, wait one more activity to take part in ...every day the visitor centre is open, during the Christmas school holidays, families can become yuletide detectives and join the search for festive treasure around our reserve. This Christmas Treasure Hunt runs from 19 December to 26 December.

Head over to our facebook page facebook.com/RSPBWestMidlandsWarwickshire for more information on all of these events.

For any other information just call our visitor centre on 0121 357 7395 or email alex.sharrod@rspb.org.uk.

Imogen, Connecting People and Nature Intern, RSPB Sandwell Valley

Recent Sightings: Birds of the Summer Holidays

So it's getting towards the end of the quiet bird season, and that vaguely warm time of year we often refer to as 'summer'. Despite the muggy weather over the last few days, we can sniff out the first few hints of autumn, and the birds are starting to get fidgety.

The month of August, and the last few weeks of the summer holidays saw all our feathery regulars taking a bit of a break after raising this year's brood, and a visit to the hide was often a quiet and lazy affair.

Graham is one of our newer hide guides, which means you'll often see him in the lakeside viewpoint waiting to greet visitors and point out what's about. Below is a collection of his photos, taken throughout the summer, of some of the bird life you can hope to see from the hide at this time of year.

 Hi! All

It’s time to show those of you who have not visited RSPB Sandwell Valley some of the birds you could see if you come at the right time of year (as you may know birds do migrate). There are volunteers like myself who man the lakeside viewpoint (hide) and we will be happy to try to answer any questions you may have. As I have said before; we know a man that can! So why not come and spend a few quiet moments or a chat at the hide?

 

One of the many beautiful lapwings, bathing in the shallows of the lake. Photo by Graham Vernon.

Two common sandpipers have been seen regularly from the hide from the end of August. Photo by Graham Vernon.

A common tern with chick, which bred successfully on the islands. Photo by Graham Vernon.

The pictures in this blog were all taken at the lakeside viewpoint and show birds from across the summer. If you wish, why not visit the centre Nature’s Reach and speak to some lovely staff, or even, as so many people do, simply enjoy a stroll round the reserve and see where the RSPB spend the donations given every month from people who care to give nature a home.

 

One of our oystercatchers, which also successfully raised a chick this year! Photo by Graham Vernon.

Late spring and early summer is the best time to catch a glimpse of the great crested grebe's famous courtship dance. Photo by Graham Vernon.

If, like me, you are a keen photographer, then maybe I can help you or even learn something from you; either way I will look forward to seeing you!

Meet our Hide Guides - Graham Vernon Volunteer

Hi! My name is Graham Vernon ( No relation to the football pools Ha! Ha! ) I have been a volunteer now for about three months and I am only 74 years young.

 

I first went to RSPB Sandwell Valley in Tanhouse Ave, Great Barr about four months ago even though I have lived near by for about three years, it’s a great place  to visit  and meet some great staff and volunteers, who are there to answer any of your questions you may have.

 

I understand that the old building was destroyed but now have a great new one that’s up to date, it is well worth the visit.

 

Although I have only been a volunteer for a very short time I have always been interested in all of nature, this came about because I am a very keen photographer  of which my main subject was birds and flowers, insects, butterflies;  in fact anything  to do with nature.

 

One of the goldfinches feeding on a teasel head's seeds. These finches love the teasels, but we had to remove the seed heads to stop them spreading too much on the lake's islands! Photo by Graham Vernon.

If you have not been it is a must place to visit and a great place to walk or cycle round, look out for carvings like a four- poster bed at one end with a fox at other end (see in my photo below), also our wooden train carving, just to name two. Also why not visit the bird hide, where at the right times you might see a great verity of birds and dragonflies, where people like myself  will be happy to try and answer your questions and if we can not we know a man who will! His name is Pete, but I call him Hawk Eye as he spot birds long before we do and his knowledge of birds is outstanding.

 

 

A lot of work was done as can be seen in the photo above, so well done to all for Giving Nature A Home! Photo taken and edited by Graham

 

Over the last few weeks the staff have been on the islands in the lake, working hard de-heading the teasels. At the same time they came across a tufted Duck’s nest, which had a chick hatching so they left that area, but they did manage to fill about 20 black bags of teasel heads to stop them spreading on the island..

 

 I look forward to seeing you at the RSPB in Sandwell Valley!

 

Graham

 

This blog is one in a series we are running about the fabulous volunteers that keep RSPB Sandwell Valley alive and thriving. We want to show off the amazing mix of people who come here from all walks of life helping save nature and inspiring others about wildlife on our reserve, and we want to encourage you to get involved too. 
Whether it's getting your hands dirty, showing a little one their first frog, or being that friendly face in our new visitor centre there's something you can have a go at.  Visit rspb.org.uk/volunteering or contact Lucy hodson: lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk, 0121 357 7395.

Meet Jake - Sandwell Valley's youngest volunteer!

Hello, my name is Jake,I am 7 years old and have been a regular visitor to RSPB Sandwell Valley for about 4 years.

Jake in his RSPB uniform - with his binoculars of course!

My dad is a volunteer for the RSPB & works with the children’s group Sandwell Swans which I go to with my sister Hannah.

Jake and his sister Hannah bird watching at Sandwell Valley

We help out with lots of exciting events at Sandwell Swans, including my favourites which are bug hunting and pond dipping.

When we first came to the RSPB, we really didn’t know what to expect but in time we got to know the really friendly staff & became regular visitors, to all of the events, which were then operated out of the temporary classroom.

Since then, I am a few years older & more knowledgeable about the things around me, and me and my sister have become RSPB Volunteers. I can identify most of the birds I see around the valley, as we attend the monthly guided walk & also told what’s around by some of the other Experienced Bird Watcher Volunteers.

A goldfinch feeding outside the Visitor Centre - Taken by Jake

Also I know a lot of the bugs, butterflies and some of the plants and trees. We also like looking at fungi but this I find is quite difficult to identify properly, so we are still working on that.

A peacock butterfly and a bee, both taken by Jake in the Wildlife Garden

Since the new Visitor Centre Nature’s Reach has opened, it has really improved the amount of things we can do around the valley, including being able to pond dip whenever we want to & having our lunch in the warm, while looking out of the window at all the different bird on the feeders & the fox & squirrel.

Finding newts, mayfly larvae and other creatures while pond dipping!

I think most of the staff now  know me and my sister, as we have been coming here for a long time now but they still greet us with a smile and are also very helpful and friendly towards us.
That’s the main reason we keep coming back to RSPB Sandwell Valley.

 Jake 

This blog is one in a series we are running about the fabulous volunteers that keep RSPB Sandwell Valley alive and thriving. We want to show off the amazing mix of people who come here from all walks of life helping save nature and inspiring others about wildlife on our reserve, and we want to encourage you to get involved too. 
Whether it's getting your hands dirty, showing a little one their first frog, or being that friendly face in our new visitor centre there's something you can have a go at.  Visit rspb.org.uk/volunteering or contact Lucy hodson: lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk, 0121 357 7395.

Ruth Lawton- Super Ranger! RSPB Sandwell Valley's Volunteers

This blog is one in a series we are running about the fabulous volunteers that keep RSPB Sandwell Valley alive and thriving. We want to show off the amazing mix of people who come here from all walks of life helping save nature and inspiring others about wildlife on our reserve, and we want to encourage you to get involved too. Read on through to get a feel for what you can do, and most importantly, what you can get out of volunteering too. 
Whether it's getting your hands dirty, showing a little one their first frog, or being that friendly face in our new visitor centre there's something you can have a go at.  

Visit rspb.org.uk/volunteering or contact Lucy hodson: lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk, 0121 357 7395.

I am Ruth, a volunteer ranger (VR) at RSPB Sandwell Valley. I have done this for a couple of hours, twice a week since September 2015.

I have been a member of the RSPB for many years and was familiar with the Sandwell Valley reserve as a walker, and had attended a couple of events at the temporary centre. I saw that the new centre, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, was finally being built and began to follow RSPB Sandwell Valley on Facebook and so saw the announcement of its opening. I visited and loved the new building! At the end of August 2015 I saw an invitation in the Facebook feed for volunteers and responded to it asking if I could pick up litter. Nothing else, just pick up litter.

Another volunteer – Dave – who started at the same time as me (though he works in the hide) - recently told me that I am now a very different woman to the one he met on our first day, who he described as a timid scared woman who could barely make eye contact and rarely spoke apart from ‘Good morning’.

Ruth sat upon our Storytelling Throne, carved by our Estate Worker Paul Robbins.

I love being a VR. I love picking up litter. I have a grabber and a gismo for holding big black bags open and a back pack with poo bags, secateurs, walkie talkie, rubber gloves and various other odds and ends. I learned from litter picking that my perfectionist tendencies don’t work in nature. I have learned patience; some dog poo bags are flung too far into hawthorn bushes or too high into trees for me to reach them – especially in the autumn when I began my volunteering and the undergrowth was lush and wild – but the seasons changed and nature gave me access. In the winter the stinging nettles died back and I could clear the river bank at Kingfisher Corner of all the discarded bottles and cans; I could clamber into bushes in thick boots and trousers and pounce on the poo bags as if they were treasure. I suppose they are to me. I have a huge sense of achievement when I snag a bag. The volume of bags and cans and general litter has definitely dropped. I do a two hour shift and a couple of times back in the autumn I filled three black sacks with rubbish in that time. Now it’s rarely more than one bag and sometimes it’s not even half full! I think many of those who used to litter now recognise that the RSPB is caring for this land we all share.

As well as litter picking I also check the site for damage, loss and even danger - the secateurs come in handy if I can’t coax a thorny branch or bramble to stay off a path or trail.

Common terns returning in the Spring, taken by Ruth

I have gained confidence in meeting and greeting the public through meeting and greeting their dogs; Bob and Pippa who walk around the reserve every day; the lady who ties her dogs to a railing out of the way while she watches the foxes; Buster with his wonderful two different coloured eyes and his human who drove him to the reserve every day at 11am; the elderly dog who walks so slowly his human is regularly told off by his wife for being late to pick her up (actually his human talks to EVERYONE, it’s not the dogs fault!). Then there are the humans who come without dogs; the lady who drives over from Bilston because she feels safe on our site; the Kingfisher Corner friends who meet for a smoke and drink and have begun to take not only their own litter home but have even helped clear their spot of other people’s rubbish too!; the joggers and cyclists and health walkers; the two fishermen who took up walking and offered to help me with an almost lost cause of two empty beer cans and a water bottle thrown into a particularly massive, painful (and evil) hawthorn patch. That’s just a few of the regulars.

Sandy the fox, taken by Ruth.

Then there are the creatures of the reserve; the foxes – there are at least 6 and we think there are cubs; the rats – including the brown rats which I thought were special and rare but still love despite their being common, and the young rats who bounce when they run just like squirrels; the toads under the covers in the mini beast area; and of course the birds. I discovered a love for herons from my walking but at the reserve I have discovered lapwings and oyster catchers and so many varieties of duck (but I can’t identify them correctly so please don’t ask me, but I can direct you to the hide where people can tell a pochard from a widgeon); and this year I noticed when the swifts, swallows and martins arrived back at the reserve. I NOTICED them arriving. Wow.

Back in September 2015 I was on long-term sickness leave from work with severe anxiety and depression. My job had been all about directly working with, and helping, people and yet here I was with no confidence in my social skills, so I am incredibly grateful for the joy and peace I feel being a volunteer at RSPB Sandwell Valley. I share that joy with the creatures and humans who work on or use the reserve. It has been a gift of life – not just ‘life’ butloving life – for me. I am so lucky.

I am grateful that people drop litter, don’t pick up their dogs’ poo, or pick it up and fling it; who come to the reserve for a drink or a picnic or a party and leave all the rubbish behind, behind because I get to come to the reserve twice a week for a couple of hours and pick up after them, ensure their safety, greet them warmly, spread my joy and enthusiasm and peace, in all weathers. I am so lucky. Thank you for giving me this.

Pond Dipping at RSPB Sandwell Valley

The summer holidays are in full swing. Not managed to get to the beach this summer? Have a go at pond dipping, an activity similar to rock pooling – available at RSPB Sandwell Valley!

Nature’s reach is open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday throughout the holidays. Come before 4pm to hire your equipment. In your set will be a net, a white tray to view creatures, a magnifying glass and spoon, for just £3 (Please do not use your own nets as this could contaminate our ponds and upset the little critters).

There are so many creatures to see in our ponds. From phantom midge larvae, leeches to newts and water beetles among many others!

Leech - Jackie Cooper (rspb-images.com)

Quick Fire Pond Creature Facts

• Did you know newts can regenerate many parts of their bodies, their limbs, eyes and even heart!
• Greater Water Boatman, these common pond creatures eat through a tube that they stick into tadpoles and suck out all the yummy juices!   
• Try and find a caddisfly nymph, these amazing youngsters are experts at camouflage. You better look closely otherwise you might think they’re just sticks and stones!  

A newt I discovered when pond dipping

Top Tips for Pond Dipping

1.  In open water use a figure of eight sweep of your net to ensure you catch some creatures
2.   In more weedy areas use a back and forth motion so you can catch the bugs that get dislodged
3. Remember that you are taking the creatures from their homes. Be kind to them and when you finished looking, gently return them to their habitat.
4. Be patient and look carefully at your discoveries. Some things might be hiding or creatures like the phantom midge larvae are nearly invisible – like ghosts!

If you want any other information just call our visitor centre Nature’s Reach on 0121 357 7395 or email alex.sharrod@rspb.org.uk.

Remember – pond dipping isn’t just for kids – I’m 24 and I absolutely love it! You never know what you might find.

Imogen, Connecting People and Nature Intern, RSPB Sandwell Valley

Summer in the sun at Sandwell

The summer holidays will soon be here. There are plenty of activities happening at RSPB Sandwell Valley to keep you and your little ones entertained for hours!

The Big Wild Pyjama Party on Saturday 30^th July is a treat not to be missed. Join us for lots of exciting night time adventures. From cooking around a camp fire, storytelling and bat walks, be sure not to miss out. 

This event begins at 6pm until 10pm. Price: £10 adults, £5 children and a 20% discount for members. Booking is essential.  Follow this link for more information and to book. https://www.facebook.com/events/191253961276750/

Wild Wednesdays will begin on Wednesday 27^th July and will be held every Wednesday throughout the school holidays. Each week will have a different theme, from pond dipping to den building with some great practical activities.

No need to book. Just arrive on the day. Prices are: RSPB members - £4 per child, Non-members - £5 per child. For more information email alex.sharrod@rspb.org.uk or call Nature's Reach on 0121 357 7395. https://www.facebook.com/events/1788562538096848/

Want to enjoy the early Sunday mornings with some marvellous moths and beautiful butterflies? Come and enjoy the view at Natures Reach our visitor centre whilst discovering the world of moths. From 8am-10am, beginning on Sunday 31^st July and every Sunday throughout August. Price just £5 for adults, £3 for children with a 20% discount for RSPB members. https://www.facebook.com/events/797875030348098/

 Chris Shields (rspb-images.com)

Spend some time away from your computer, tablet and TV.  Enjoy some hands-on activities at RSPB Sandwell Valley this summer. We have self led activities available every day we are open. Come along, get outside and enjoy some pond dipping, bug hunting and go out on some trails.

If you would like to know more information about the above activities, please get in touch with the reserve. 

Imogen, Connecting People and Nature Intern, RSPB Sandwell Valley.

Jenny Stevens - My Connecting People and Nature Internship

RSPB Sandwell Valley is special. Really special. It’s a little piece of green and blue heaven wedged between Birmingham, West Bromwich and motorway. I feel super lucky to have been part of this unique place, that sees the first appearances of wonderful migrant birds in the country, and also serves a hugely diverse local community; providing them with the much needed green space and tranquility every person needs to learn and enjoy and keep us happy and healthy. My internship allowed me to learn so much and make a difference at the same time, to people and wildlife alike.

My first photo of Sandwell, July 2015

Quitting a full time job for a part time, unpaid internship in your late twenties, to do something you have absolutely no experience in, is always going to be a scary (and slightly insane) thing to do. But I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my career and my happiness. I had no qualifications in ecology, conservation or anything related, but I knew I wanted to follow that path, so I went for the Connecting People and Nature Internship at RSPB Sandwell Valley, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. I feel genuinely blessed to have been a part of the wonderful team at Sandwell, the wider Midlands region and the RSPB as a whole. Never in my life have I experienced such support from colleagues, learnt so much in a short space of time, felt truly valued by a huge organisation, become friends with so many inspirational people of all ages and felt a passion so ignited. In this case, for wildlife and conservation.

The joy of getting my RSPB fleece from Ann!

When you become part of the RSPB, you’re not simply an extra, carrying out mundane tasks, you will be welcomed and encouraged and praised for your hard work by everyone around you. You’ll be given every opportunity to learn something new, enhance your existing skills and thrive at things you love doing. You’ll feel appreciated by, not only the incredible team at Sandwell, whom I now think of as some of my closest friends, but by everyone on every level of management throughout the region. I was amazed at how all of these people in positions of power across the region knew my name before they’d met me, and didn’t forget it! To have regional directors and area managers thanking you for the little things you’ve done, and telling you their door is always open, does a hell of a lot for moral and confidence. And the best bit is, they genuinely mean it.

Assisting with bird ringing

As if the staff weren’t enough, the brilliance of the 100+ volunteers at Sandwell will blow you away. Each and every person makes Sandwell what it is. Questions and queries will always be met with enthusiastic responses and explanations. As if these people weren’t already generous enough with their time and their knowledge - they want to share it with you too! The identification skills I’ve learnt from Pete Snipe, Colin and Alf, Andy Purcell; the new crochet tips and inspiration from Pat; train and boat routes through Europe and meandering pub walks through Gloucestershire from Terry; what masterpieces you really can create with a blackboard and chalk pen from Lauren; how the hard work of the Tuesday and Friday work parties will help terns and little ringed plovers and Peggy, the one legged oystercatcher. Considering nine months ago, I barely new my blue tit from my great tit, these people have worked miracles on me. And I’ve loved every minute. If you don’t already own a pair of binoculars, you’ll want some by the end of your first week. And Pete Snipe will probably sort you out.

Joining the Friday work party

If I had the opportunity to do the Connecting People and Nature Internship again twenty times, I would in a heart beat. If you’re wondering whether to take the plunge and follow your heart, I urge you to go for it. It’ll stand you in brilliant stead to find your career in conservation and introduce you to some amazing people and wildlife along the way. But more importantly, no matter what happens at the end of it, it’ll be nine months of your life you’ll have loved and learnt more than you could imagine.

Making a friend at Robin Corner, RSPB Middleton Lakes

Thank you Lucy, Alex, Cathy, Gretel, Paul, Nadia and every volunteer I’ve come in to contact with. You are truly amazing. Work with these inspirational and wonderful people if you get the opportunity. You’ll be a better person for it and end up admiring and loving them forever.

One of my wonderful goodbye gifts from the team.
Peggy by lovely Lucy.

And never forget, as a wise Community and Volunteer Development Officer once said to me, "the world is your oystercatcher".

Jenny, Communications and Events Officer (Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust) and former Connecting People and Nature Intern (RSPB Sandwell Valley).

The Origin and Achievements of the Community Forum.

So how did we get here then? For those of you who have visited Sandwell Valley for years, you may fondly remember our old visitor centre, and perhaps the less-fond memories of us losing it. Sadly, in 2010 the visitor centre suffered fire damage that rendered it unusable to visitors, volunteers and staff. In the meantime we obtained a temporary office and visitor centre called the SPA (which means Semi-Permanent Accommodation, rather than a place to relax and be pampered!).

Stuck without a permanent visitor centre, classroom or brew station, we looked to rise from the ashes, and so applied for funding for a brand-new visitor centre. From this the ‘Breathing New Life into Sandwell Valley’ project was launched successfully, resulting in the building of our new centre funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust, Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust and other Charitable Trusts.

As well as us getting a brand new facility, the RSPB and our funding partners thought it would be a missed opportunity for us to not engage with the huge audience sitting on our doorstep, across Sandwell borough. This resulted in an exciting new role being funded for four years, for a Community and Volunteer Development Officer (Nadia Shaikh, currently covered on secondment by Lucy Hodson) which looks to reach out into the community and aims to enthuse and inspire them about wildlife and the reserve.

A key part of the role was to establish our Community Forum, which might sound a bit business-like, but really we’re a group of local residents, visitors, volunteers and people who generally love the reserve! The forum was set up to give local people the opportunity to have a say in the general running, improvements, events and projects of the reserve, and you can read more about who we are HERE.

So what has the Community forum achieved?

Nature’s Reach

As well as having input into the design and function of the new visitor centre, the forum got the vital job of christening the building. After much deliberation and putting it to the vote, the forum decided upon the name of ‘Nature’s Reach’ – pretty perfect seeing as wildlife and nature is always within reach when you visit!

The grand opening!

For the opening of Nature’s Reach, we organised two big celebrations; our Residents Launch Event and our Family Wildlife Festival. Our resident’s launch saw 150 residents immediately local to the reserve get a tour of the new centre, and our family festival drew over 1000 visitors for a day of activities and celebration on the reserve.

Residents Launch Event

Community projects

As part of our community engagement work, we design and deliver a community project for each year, running April-March. The idea of the project is totally down to us, we just have to make sure it engages local members of the community and community groups. So what have these projects been so far?

2014’s project saw us give a makeover to the railway bridge you cross over as you enter the reserve. Working with a mural artist called Spearfish, a work party from Network Rail, and influenced by designs from Children from the local primary school, Grestone primary and secondary school, Hamstead Hall Academy, the blank concrete canvas of the bridge was transformed. Now when you visit you can cross our vibrant wildlife-themed bridge, which is a bit more of a cheery welcome to the reserve!

Community Project 2014 - The Bridge Makeover

For 2015, our community forum suggested that an area of overgrown scrub could be transformed into a reflection garden. A quiet space for reflection and a new area to discover nature on the reserve.

Ben Iddon, RSPB volunteer garden superhero, is leading the quest to transform this space along with support from groups such as students from the George Salter Academy, Newton W.I. and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

As for 2016, we’re launching a community project that comes out to you! Giving Sandwell Nature a Home will be encouraging families, grown-ups, kids and community groups to build homes for wildlife in their own green spaces and gardens; read about the project HERE.