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.

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.

WHO? RSPB Sandwell Valley and the Community Forum

Hello and welcome to our first Community Forum e-newsletter! We thought we'd start with a little introduction to who we are.

RSPB Sandwell Valley is a a little bit of green paradise wedged between Birmingham and West Bromwich, in the north east corner of Sandwell Valley Country Park. Not only is it the perfect place to come and see a bullfinch or lapwing, it's also great for families and people of all ages and abilities.

View of RSPB Sandwell Valley
from Nature's Reach visitor centre (Jenny Stevens)

We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who keep the reserve spick and span, while always improving it for nature and visitors. You can see all sorts of different wildlife throughout the year, with great numbers of wading birds, wildfowl and woodland birds; butterflies and moths; creepy crawlies and even the odd mammal. To find out more about RSPB Sandwell Valley CLICK HERE!

Little Ringed Plover at RSPB Sandwell Valley (Andy Purcell)

Our shiny visitor centre, Nature's Reach, opened in July 2015, made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. From there you can watch our ever-busy bird feeders, pick up a pond dipping kit, find out about recent sightings and grab a hot drink and snack.

School Group birdwatching at Nature's Reach.

And that's where the community forum comes in. It was set up when plans for the new centre were confirmed, with the intention of giving local people, volunteers and staff a chance to have a say in the day to day running of the centre and where it's headed. It's role is to input ideas and suggestions for improvements and help with strategic decisions. In addition, the forum works closely with staff and volunteers to increase awareness of the site and ensure the local community uses the reserve. The forum is open to anyone who uses the site (or would like to) and is interested in what we do. So please please get in touch if you'd like to get involved (please see contact details below).

Opening of Nature's Reach at Residents' and Local Community Launch Event.

Our current forum members all use the site regularly and are passionate about it's upkeep and it's future. We thought we'd ask a few of them to tell you what they love about RSPB Sandwell Valley and what it means to them...

"This is a lovely refreshing place to walk and reflect. It also has an interesting array of plants, birds and wildlife that makes walking around the reserve an enjoyable experience."

- Winsome, community forum member and local resident.

"I love RSPB Sandwell Valley because it brings the feeling of being in a rural area to an urban town. It is wonderful to be able to walk and sit in such beautiful settings located right on my doorstep."

- Lorna, community forum member and local resident.

"What does RSPB Sandwell Valley mean to me?

R - Riotous change in colour with the
S - Seasons.
P - Public appreciation of the
B - Birds and the
S - Scenic views from the
V - Visitor centre."

- Roy, community forum member, RSPB Sandwell Valley volunteer and local resident.

"I love that RSPB Sandwell Valley is this little green space in the middle of an urban jungle, with huge personality! It's perfect for all ages and interests, with so many activities running each year. The various wildlife that visits is incredible considering the location and the community spirit and passion for nature among staff and volunteers is inspiring. Whether you're a keen birder or struggle to tell your blue tit from your great tit, you'll be welcomed. What's not to love?!"

- Jenny, community forum member and Connecting People & Nature Intern.

"It may sound odd, but my favourite thing about Sandwell Valley is probably the people who donate their time and talent to us. Our huge team of volunteers (120+!) know everything there is to know about all of the feathered, buzzing, creeping-and-crawling, furry and colourful residents of this nature reserve, and will always stop to inform and enthuse you about the abundance of wildlife here!"

- Lucy, community forum member and Community and Volunteer Development Officer. 

Want to know more and get involved? Email lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings and upcoming events by finding RSPB Sandwell Valley on social media. Like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

A Day in the Life of... Andy White, Visitor Centre Volunteer

To celebrate how brilliant our volunteers are and give you a behind the scenes peek of life at RSPB Sandwell Valley, we're starting a series of blogs written by our volunteers about them and their roles at Sandwell.

First up is Andy White, who you'll find in the visitor centre on Wednesday afternoons. Andy's a cracking member of the team and his enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious so make sure you say 'hello' if you pop in and see him...

I suppose I was always destined to spend more time on Sandwell Valley once I had retired. After all, my ancestors were shepherds here 200 years ago, and for the past 60 years I have almost always lived right on the edge of this green oasis at the centre of our bustling conurbation.

As a child, my friends and I would roam the valley on summer days, building dens and playing Akee-123, only returning home for food. Latterly, as a parent, I have brought up a family enjoying all that the valley has to offer in respect of its history, recreation and most importantly its wildlife.

Therefore, when I finally decided to retire a couple of years ago, and I needed to fill my days, I needed to look no further than over the road to Sandwell Valley.  Initially, I just spent more time walking, running or cycling. It’s perfect for that.  But actually I felt I wanted to be more involved and became concerned over protecting the valley for its people and its wildlife.  So it was that I started to volunteer at the RSPB.

Currently I volunteer at Nature's Reach Visitor Centre for a half day each week. When it’s quiet, I get to spend a lot of time watching the many different birds on the bird feeders just outside of the window.  But when it’s busy I really enjoy talking about the valley and birds with the visitors who come in for information, a cup of tea or a warm-up on cold days.

I have seen huge changes in the valley over my life time, from the degraded scrubland and industrial landscape of the 1960’s, to the beautiful managed reserve we see today, and although I know it well I am still discovering something new each time I visit.  It’s a fantastic place and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Andy

Andy White, Visitor Centre Volunteer

Thank you Andy! If you like the sound of welcoming visitors to the centre, and spending some time chatting with other nature enthusiasts, we have a vacancy for this role on Saturdays and Sundays. To find our more information and to apply please get in touch with alex.sharrod@rspb.org.uk or call the office on 0121 357 7395. 

Jenny, Connecting People and Nature Intern